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Case Snapshot
Case ID: 16634
Classification: Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: horse
More cases in Chisago County, MN
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Horse neglect
Harris, MN (US)

Incident Date: Saturday, Aug 14, 2010
County: Chisago

Charges: Misdemeanor, Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Roberta Jeanne Thurn

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

A Harris resident is facing two felony charges and a misdemeanor for animal maltreatment.

Roberta Jeanne Thurn, 47, was charged in Chisago County District Court for alleged cruelty to a horse.

The two felony charges each carry a maximum of two years imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine.

On Aug. 14, a deputy was dispatched to a residence in Harris on an complaint of animal cruelty.

According to the identified complainant, a horse that appeared to be "skin and bones" was lying outside in a field and appeared to be unable to get up.

Upon arrival, the officer observed the horse and saw that it was extremely thin, but was eating. The horse was also allegedly covered in flies and her hooves had not been trimmed for quite some time. Her hooves had grown out to the point where they would be considered "slippered hooves," meaning that the horse would walk on her ankles instead of her hooves.

Horses are ranked on a scale of 1 to 9, with a score of 1 meaning that the horse is extremely underweight and dehydrated and 9 meaning that the horse is obese. The horse was rated a one by a veterinarian.

The vet said that there was a medical issue with the horse that was causing it to not gain weight and that the horse's hooves appeared to not have been trimmed in at least 6-8 months.

Thurn consented to euthanasia because the horse was in such bad condition, it would be in her best interest to be euthanized, the vet said.


Case Updates

Authorities booked and released a 47-year-old Harris woman last week on felony level charges of animal mistreatment.

The Chisago County Attorney reports Roberta Jeanne Thurn, who has a Forest Boulevard address, faces two felony charges of overworking or maltreatment of an animal resulting in death or great bodily harm, and one misdemeanor charge of not providing sufficient shelter or nourishment. The horse was euthanized after a local veterinarian evaluated the animal's condition.

An investigator went to Thurn's property in mid-August based on a complaint.

The investigator observed the horse lying in the pasture. He made contact with Thurn who said the horse did belong to her, and stated the horse was thin due to nursing a foal.

The investigator returned a day later with a local veterinarian who rated the horse a "1" on a scale of 1 to 10, with one being the worst shape. The criminal complaint described the animal, a Tennessee Walking horse, as too weak to swat at flies. Its hooves were described as "slippered" meaning the horse had to get around on her ankles. Its ribs and hip bones protruded.

After putting the animal down, with Thurn's permission, the investigator spoke with another veterinarian who'd seen the Tennessee Walking horse a year ago and had concerns about its weight. The owner had been advised then the animal was rated a "4" and needed better care and food.

Thurn was charged in last month. The county attorney explained that "based on the court's finding of probable cause" for the criminal complaint, Judge McBride ordered Thurn summoned to be booked October 4. Thurn's next court appearance is November 1.
Source: Chisago Count Press - Oct 14, 2010
Update posted on Oct 17, 2010 - 8:11PM 

References

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    Note: Classifications and other fields should not be used to determine what specific charges the suspect is facing or was convicted of - they are for research and statistical purposes only. The case report and subsequent updates outline the specific charges. Charges referenced in the original case report may be modified throughout the course of the investigation or trial, so case updates, when available, should always be considered the most accurate reflection of charges.

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