Cherilyn M. Wilson makes her first appearance in Lewis County Superior Court Friday, Dec. 14, 2018.
A Lewis County couple accused of keeping dogs in squalid conditions and a pony living in so much pain it had to be put down appeared in court for the first time in the case Friday afternoon, where it was determined they’ll remain out of jail unless they violate conditions of release.
Roy I. Wilson, 91, and Cherilyn M. Wilson, 68, both of Winlock were charged with one count of first-degree animal cruelty and five counts of cruelty to animals, a gross misdemeanor.
Deputy Prosecutor Alysha Chandra asked for a $10,000 unsecured bond for each and for an order forbidding them to have animals. Chandra commented that she was bothered Cherilyn Wilson brought a dog to court with her. She held a small dog in her arms throughout the hearing. Defense attorney Rachael Tiller agreed to the bond amount, but against an order forbidding they possess animals. Cherilyn Wilson provided a license, Tiller said, stating the dog she had with her was for medical purposes.
Judge James Lawler agreed with the bond amount of $10,000 unsecured, meaning they will remain out of custody if they appear to future hearings and follow basic conditions of release. But Lawler did not impose an order that they could not have animals, saying he didn’t have enough information on those details.
Furthermore, Tiller argued, the Wilsons had been given several orders from code enforcement on changes that must be made to their property and animal conditions, and they have fulfilled them.
Deputy Prosecutor Brad Meagher, in a previous interview with The Chronicle, said the misdemeanor counts leveled against each suspect were regarding dogs found in a barn on the Wilsons’ property. The dogs were allegedly kept in filthy runs. The lone felony was regarding the pony, which was allegedly found to have been suffering from a hoof condition that made movement painful.
“Laminitis is a very painful condition,” according to court documents. “The owner admitted not seeking attention for her for at least several years. As a result, (the pony) had been suffering for many years. Her conditions of limping and laying down are enough for the average person to identify enough of a problem that should be addressed by a veterinarian.”
Roy Wilson was previously a high-ranking member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, but a tribal official has since said Roy Wilson does not have any involvement with the tribe, in wake of the allegations.
