NY horse breeder convicted of animal cruelty

CATSKILL, N.Y. (AP) -A prominent New York thoroughbred breeder and trainer has been convicted of mistreating dozens of malnourished horses.

Ernie Paragallo was convicted of 33 of 34 misdemeanor animal cruelty counts in a nonjury trial.

The 52-year-old Long Island resident was charged after authorities raided his 500-acre farm in Coxsackie (kuk-SAHK'-ee) in April and seized 177 malnourished horses.

He could face up to two years in jail and $35,000 in fines. His lawyer says he'll appeal the convictions announced by a judge Wednesday.

Paragallo testified last week that he didn't know the horses weren't being fed enough.

Paragallo's racing license is currently suspended. He has started more than 4,500 horses and earned more than $20 million in purses.