American Fork vet faces varied charges

AMERICAN FORK — An American Fork veterinarian and animal lover has faced a year of accusations he says he still struggles to understand.

On May 6, Alan Cunningham will be arraigned in 4th District Court on four misdemeanor charges involving the animals on his property, and one separate charge of abuse or neglect of his mother.

Cunningham, 52, has lived in American Fork all his life. The property he lives on has been in his family for six generations, and Cunningham said his family has always been involved with agriculture and animals.

A little over a year ago, Cunningham started to receive a series of charges that would add up to what he faces now: a zoning infraction, an animal-at-large infraction, a violation of a beautification ordinance and operating a business without a license.

"I grew up with a fondness for animals," said Cunningham. "My parents taught me that. I have always had a lot of animals, and I'm not married so they are my family."

Cunningham, a vet for 18 years, has opened up his home over the years to many animals that have no place to go. He has 14 cats, six dogs, two geese, 15 chickens, two peacocks, a duck and a wild turkey living in his American Fork back yard.

"All of my animals are unwanted, so they all have a special story," said Cunningham. "If they need a home, then I will bring it in."

American Fork Police Lt. Darren Falslev says part of the problem is that Cunningham is bringing home some of the animals and continuing care for them from his residence, which is not zoned for that type of activity.

He also says that he is unsure why Cunningham is surprised about charges.

"We have reports going back to 2002 with animal-related problems, and I think there are a lot of citizens that are upset that this is an ongoing issue," said Falslev.

The more serious charge of abuse of a vulnerable adult is what Cunningham says really baffles him. After completing veterinary school he was offered property by his parents and chose to build his home just yards from their house.

His mother, Blanche, lived alone after Cunningham's father passed away 10 years ago, and Cunningham said that he moved into her home during the last few months as her health continued to deteriorate.

"It just hit me like a brick wall that someone would accuse me of abusing her," said Cunningham. "I have chosen to stay here and be near to her so that I could help."

Cunningham says that his mother, who has since passed away, seemed well physically but suffered from severe dementia.