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A family in Saugerties is filing a lawsuit to reclaim their miniature horse, Teddy, after he was hit by a train earlier this month. The accident occurred when Teddy escaped his paddock with his companion, Duke, after a bear damaged their fence in the early hours of April 8. Teddy was struck by a CSX train just south of Catskill, suffering severe injuries, including a fractured vertebra and rib, and a deep gash on his hindquarters.
The Greene County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene and called Unbridled Sanctuary, a Greenville-based rescue organization, for assistance. Although Teddy's owner, John Monahan, eventually arrived, Unbridled Sanctuary transported the injured horse to Rhinebeck Equine for treatment. Monahan is now disputing the claim that he relinquished ownership of Teddy to the rescue organization.
In a lawsuit filed in state Supreme Court in Ulster County, Monahan seeks the return of Teddy, arguing that he never signed any paperwork surrendering ownership. His daughter-in-law, Samantha Conklin, stated, "We have all the documentation to show that Teddy is well taken care of and well-loved." According to Conklin and the family's attorney, Ann Weaver, the scene was chaotic, and Monahan was pressured to give up his rights to ensure Teddy received care.
However, Unbridled Sanctuary founder Susan Kayne claims that seven people, including three sheriff's deputies, witnessed Monahan verbally transferring ownership. The sheriff's office incident report reflects this transfer, according to Undersheriff Tracey Quinn.
The family is not seeking monetary damages but wants Teddy back. They are willing to cover all veterinary expenses and reimburse Unbridled Sanctuary for transporting Teddy to Rhinebeck. Teddy's veterinary care has exceeded $15,000, with more than $8,000 raised so far.
Conklin expressed the family's emotional distress, stating, "My father-in-law and mother-in-law are heartbroken. My two autistic nephews and niece are heartbroken. These horses aren't just animals. They're therapeutic." The family hopes to be reunited with Teddy soon.