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Officials hear Hatfield residents' complaints of blocked cemetery access and debate options for stray horses
Summary
Commissioner Lewis reported that residents in Hatfield say an out-of-state contractor is blocking access to private property and family cemeteries and that stray/wild horses are creating safety and property-damage problems; the court recommended private counsel and reviewed statutory limits for animal-control removal.
Commissioner Lewis told the Pike County Fiscal Court on Dec. 5 that residents in the Hatfield community are reporting land disputes and restricted access to family cemeteries allegedly caused by a company described as being from Missouri. He said people had been turned away from family grave sites and described trenches and security personnel reportedly preventing access.
"They've got people blocked from their personal property," Commissioner Lewis said, describing one visitor in his 80s who was turned away when trying to visit a mother's grave. Residents told him they had contacted the state police and private attorneys; Lewis said they planned follow-up community meetings with news media present.
The court discussed legal remedies but emphasized limits on county authority for civil property disputes. Roy (county attorney) advised that private counsel and a title search would typically be needed before the county could intervene, and the judge suggested officials could provide maps from the PVA's office but warned those records are not always dispositive.
The conversation shifted to a related local problem: dozens of stray or feral horses in the Phelps area that residents say are damaging yards, creating road hazards and being left without care. Commissioners described the situation as safety and welfare concerns and discussed Kentucky statutory requirements for animal-control actions — including veterinary checks, posting a bond and a public-advertisement period (described in the meeting as about 15 days) before rescues or private groups can remove animals.
Commissioners said rescues had expressed willingness to help but noted the county must follow the same statutory process even if a rescue volunteers. Commissioner Lewis said volunteers were feeding horses but could not sustain it long-term, and he urged the court and county attorneys to explore legal avenues. Roy said county attorneys would research statutory options and follow up.
No formal county action was taken at the meeting; court members advised residents to consult private counsel and asked staff to gather more information for possible future steps.
