Witness and Some Jurors Cry During Testimony in Horse Dragging Death Case

One witness and even some of the jurors broke down and cried during testimony Wednesday in the trial of Victor Guillory.

The Fannett man is accused of dragging his horse to death in April of 2005 on Gaulding Road in Jefferson County. Guillory says he was exercising the animal and never intended to harm the horse.

The first person to testify Wednesday morning was veterinarian Kelley Kays, who treated Guillory's horse, Bobby, at the scene where the horse collapsed.

Kays told jurors Bobby was bleeding from all four hooves.

Kays testified Bobby suffered road rash on one side of his body.

Kays said when she got the horse to her clinic, the horse let out a groan of pain like she had never heard before.

Wednesday afternoon, Victor Guillory took the stand in his own defense and explained what happened.

"From this day, I miss my horse," Guillory testified. "He was like a child to me. I was close to this animal. I talked about my horse. I was proud of my horse. I would never hurt my own horse."

When asked if he noticed the horse was being dragged behind his truck, Guillory testified "at one point, I didn't see him. I thought he got loose. When I got out of the truck, I saw him laying there. I freaked out."

Wednesday's testimony was disturbing to members of the Humane Society, who've been sitting in on the trial.

If convicted of cruelty to animals, Guillory will face a punishment ranging from probation to between six months and two years in state jail, as well as a $10,000 fine.