Canterbury Farm Horse Owner Faces 34 Animal Cruelty Charges

The owner of Canterbury Farm, reportedly one of the nation’s largest breeders of Polish Arabian stallions, has been charged with 34 counts of animal cruelty in a case in which dozens of horses were neglected and starving, according to online court documents. A Carroll County rescue facility is caring for 10 of the animals.

Marsha Holly Parkinson, 66, owner of Canterbury Farm in Centreville, was charged with animal cruelty and failure to provide. A trial has been scheduled for July 27.

If convicted, she faces a penalty of up to 90 days in jail, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both in addition to court-ordered psychological counseling. 

Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue in Mount Airy is caring for 10 of the 133 horses seized from the Maryland farm on April 29. The horse rescue was called into action by the Humane Society to help transport 20 of the animals, taking 10 into custody.per misdemeanor. 

"This is an absolutely overwhelming situation that has surpassed the ability of the organizations involved," said Christine Hajek, president and founder of Gentle Giants "There's an overwhelming amount of need."

The group will foster the horses until they are healthy again.

Six horses from the breeding farm had to be euthanized on site due to their condition, according to the group. 

The Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine also received 13 horses in critical condition. 

“They will require a specialized feeding program to safely bring their weight to a healthy level,” said Hajek in a press release. Many of the horses hooves had not been cared for and they were rife with parasites.

“Bringing these horses back to health will take time, money and a lot of volunteer sweat,” said Hajek. 

To volunteer or donate money to the cause visit the group's website here.