Animal Abuse: Rescue neglect - 374 animals seized - Cazenovia, WI

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Case ID: 15503

Classification: Hoarding

Animal: dog (non pit-bull)

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Attorneys/Judges

Judge(s):

Edward Leineweber

CONVICTED: Was justice served?

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Case #15503 Rating: 1.8 out of 5

Rescue neglect - 374 animals seized
Cazenovia, WI (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
County: Richland

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Convicted

Defendant/Suspect: Jennifer Petkus

Case Updates: 2 update(s) available

In the early morning hours of May 19, the Humane Society of the United States and a cadre of animal welfare groups assisted the Richland County Sherriff's Department with the seizure of more than 300 animals - including dogs, horses, fowl, livestock and other small animals - from the Thyme and Sage Ranch.

The facility, located in Cazenovia, Wisc., operated as a non-profit "rescue" operation and served as Animal Control for Richland County.

Sheriff's deputies served the warrant after an investigation set into motion by HSUS investigators, who had received numerous tips about cruel conditions at the property.

Jennifer Petkus, founder of Thyme and Sage Ranch, was charged May 21 at Richland County courthouse with 11 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and five forfeitures. Misdemeanors included improper shelter and mistreating animals by intent or negligent violation. Ms. Petkus signed a $10,000 signature bond. Arraignment is set for May 29 at 1 p.m.

Approximately 374 animals were discovered during the execution of the search warrant, led by the Richland County Sheriff's department. The ASPCA is evaluating animals found at the site and collecting evidence for the prosecution of the criminal case, as well as lending the services of its special forensic cruelty investigation team, comprised of disaster animal rescuers and field service investigators.

A Group Effort
In conjunction with the Dane County Humane Society, The HSUS presented the evidence to the Richland County District Attorney's office, which then reached out to the ASPCA's forensics team for assistance collecting evidence.

Other participating agencies include the American Humane Association, which provided assistance with animal handling, and United Animal Nations, which provided sheltering assistance.

The Dane County Humane Society acted as the lead local animal agency and called on the Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies for more support. Finally, PetSmart Charities® sent its Emergency Relief Waggin' full of donated goods such as wire crates, dog food and medical supplies.

A Shocking Scene
A disturbing scene greeted rescuers arriving at the property: Breeds ranging from Scottish Terriers to Labrador mixes, some suffering from serious medical ailments, severely matted fur and serious skin conditions, languished inside feces-ridden, unheated barns and outdoor structures.

Rescuers got to work right away. The ASPCA's "Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation Unit" and forensics team evaluated the animals and collected evidence for a criminal animal cruelty prosecution. The ailing animals were then whisked to a nearby emergency shelter set up by The HSUS and UAN at Dane County Humane Society for in-depth examinations and any necessary immediate medical care by a team of veterinarians.

Calling on The Public
Any member of the public who believes their lost pet may have ended up at the Thyme and Sage Ranch should submit information on giveshelter.org identifying their lost pet. Local officials also urged the public to contact the Richland County District Attorney's Office with personal experiences with the Thyme and Sage Ranch that may be relevant to this case.

Case Updates

The owner of a Richland County animal shelter who was convicted of six counts of animal cruelty was sentenced Thursday.

Jennifer Petkus, who owned Thyme & Sage Ranch, was sentenced to three years of probation with no jail time.

Under the sentencing, Petkus can keep the nine dogs her family has now, but she is not allowed to have any new animals.

At Thursday's sentencing hearing, Richland County Judge Edward Leineweber described Petkus as an animal lover who "lost it."

In 2009, authorities raided Petkus' animal shelter and seized more than 300 dogs.

Petkus was convicted on six counts of criminal negligence in caring for four of those animals. One dog starved to death.

"I plead with you to let me get my life back," Petkus said in court Thursday.

The judge said this case is different than others where an animal was intentionally harmed or killed.

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"There was no intent, alleged or proven, to harm (the animals). Rescue, for whatever reason, slipped into neglect," Leineweber said.

The judge said the fact this situation happened and ended up in court was tragic. Leineweber said everyone involved wanted to help animals, though at some point, Petkus was unable to provide adequate care.

The judge said it was difficult to decide on sentencing because he didn't believe the prosecution's argument that all the dogs were in perfect shape before and only suffered harm in Petkus' care. He also said Petkus had credibility issues in her own testimony.

However, in the end the judge said he doesn't believe Petkus will commit another crime. He said the financial punishment and humiliation she has endured during the past two years have been punishment enough. Petkus has filed for bankruptcy.

The Thyme & Sage Ranch was located in Cazenovia.

Source: channel3000.com - Apr 28, 2011
Update posted on Apr 28, 2011 - 11:04PM

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The owner of a Richland County animal shelter faces sentencing after a jury found her guilty of six counts of animal cruelty.

Jennifer Petkus owned Thyme & Sage Ranch in Cazenovia, in southwestern Wisconsin. She was convicted Friday after a three-week trial. She was accused of starving a dog to death, failing to provide water to animals, failing to maintain sufficient cleanliness and other mistreatment.

Authorities seized more than 330 dogs and numerous other animals from her shelter in 2009.

Sentencing for Petkus is scheduled for April 29.

Dane County Humane Society officials say the Richland County district attorney plans to ask for five years prohibition to keep her from having more animals. The maximum sentence would be four and a half years.

Source: wsaw.com - Mar 13, 2011
Update posted on Mar 13, 2011 - 7:27PM

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Rescue neglect - 374 animals seizedCazenovia, WI (US)

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Rescue neglect - 374 animals seized
Cazenovia, WI (US)