ESCANABA - After pleading with the judge to let him have horses because he is a good trainer and because he needs them for his own physical therapy, a convicted animal abuser was sentenced to 45 days in jail Thursday.
Three months ago, Arnold Berthold Proehl, 61, Rapid River, was found guilty of cruelty to four to 10 animals in Delta County Circuit Court.. His punishment was handed down by Judge Stephen Davis.
Proehl was sentenced to 45 days in jail, five years probation, and ordered to not own or be around any horses. His residence must also be approved by the probation department. In addition, Proehl was ordered to pay $13,633 for costs to care and house the horses which were seized from him.
Proehl was arrested last January after 17 horses were taken away from him. This fall, he was found guilty of animal cruelty while his partner Marvin Earl Harris, 75, Chicago, was found not guilty. Harris owned the land where the horses were penned.
When the judge asked Proehl if he had anything to say, the defendant expressed his passion for horses, training them and breeding them to race. He said he believes the state needs horse races and he is the only trainer in the Upper Peninsula.
"I've done this all my life. I've never had neglect or abuse," he told the court. "I am not a criminal...People that know me, know that I'm a good horseman."
Proehl said he can't be denied the opportunity to train horses, even with his disability. He is suffering from multiple sclerosis. He said caring for and riding horses is therapy for him.
Calling the judge a "good man" several times, Proehl pleaded with Davis, saying, "I need you to help me... I am innocent... Animals die. Horses die. There's nothing a person can do... I am not an abusive person."
Proehl added, "I have a fence problem on my property, an electric fence problem."
Regarding his horse partnership with Harris, Proehl said, "I'm taking the brunt of everything... I'm stuck with it. The industry needs me. I am that good. Never would I harm an animal, abuse it, neglect it... I love horses and the training part of it."
In his final plea, Proehl called Davis a "good man" again and said he voted for the judge. The defendant asked to be placed on probation because his mother needs him and other people need him.
Prior to the defendant's statement, Prosecuting Attorney Steve Parks requested the court follow the presentencing recommendations for jail.
"The defendant still does not see he's at fault. The recommendations are appropriate," Parks said, adding the horses have been an issue for a long time and the case has been costly.
Proehl's attorney, John Bergman, Escanaba, said, "The defendant definitely loves the horses." The lawyer added there was no criminal intent to show neglect of the animals. He urged the judge not to impose jail time.
"Taking away horses is a major sentence," Bergman added.
After sentencing, the judge asked Proehl if he had any questions. The defendant said he needs horses to ride for physical therapy and asked if he could keep some of his horses.
Davis said, "My answer to that is no."
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Jenny Lancour, (906) 786-2021, ext. 143, jlancour@dailypress.net
