12/16/08

FRUITLAND, Idaho (AP) _ A southern Idaho couple has been charged
with multiple counts of animal cruelty after authorities seized
more than 30 underfed horses, cats and dogs from a farm in Payette
County last month.

The Payette County Sheriff Department also removed a 3-year-old
boy from the property Nov. 21 in Fruitland.

County Prosecutor Brian Lee says Crystal Whitehead, 29, and her
boyfriend, Casey Armstrong, 23, were arrested Tuesday and each have been charged with 12 counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals.

No charges have been filed against Whitehead in connection to
her son, the boy who was taken from the farm and initially placed
in the custody of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Payette County Sheriff Chad Huff says the boy is now being cared
for by another family member.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APNP-12-16-08 1631MST<