Lloyd Harbor horse breeder gets 2 years in jail

CATSKILL - Disgraced Long Island thoroughbred breeder Ernie Paragallo has been sentenced to serve up to 2 years in jail for mistreating dozens of parasite-infested and malnourished horses on his Hudson Valley farm.

Paragallo was convicted in March of 33 misdemeanor animal cruelty counts. He was also fined $33,000 at sentencing Tuesday in Greene County Court.

The Lloyd Harbor resident, 52, was charged after state police and animal welfare investigators raided his farm in Coxsackie in April 2009 and seized 177 horses.

Paragallo, former owner of 1996 Kentucky Derby favorite and fifth-place finisher Unbridled's Song, has had horses run in more than 4,500 races. The state Racing and Wagering Board has suspended him from racing at New York tracks.

Paragallo's lawyer says he'll appeal the sentence.