On August 10, Humane Society investigators raided a farm in Ridgeway, Orleans County. They discovered a collapsed barn, poor quality and insufficient amounts of food and water, two dead horses, and another one severely injured.
Out of 41 horses on the farm, veterinarians say half were painfully thin.
Humane Society Investigator Jill Poof said, "Most of them rated 1 to 3 with '1' being emaciated and '3' being extremely thin."
Jim and Karen Landen face one count each of animal cruelty, but when the investigation is over they could face one count for each animal. The Landens say they will fight the charges.
The Landens said they were trying to help the animals and invited NewsSource 13 to visit the farm. The 19 horses that remained on the property appeared to be of average weight and were clearly affectionate with their owners.
The Landens also showed us medical records of sick horses they purchased at auction with the intent of nursing them back to health.
"Some of them you know you can't do anything for, but there's some you can't turn down. So you bring them home: you give them their shots, you worm them, you put them on a feed program, give them hay and get them going again." she said.
Orleans County District Attorney Joe Cardone said, "This is not something that they just had these animals a short period of time and when they received them they were in bad condition. Our position is that this is a course of conduct over a period of time."
When we asked to see the other 21 horses investigators found, the Landens said they don't know where they are.
Authorities fear the sickest animals and the evidence they provide may be gone for good perhaps sold at auction.
Neighbors who called police in the first place, said they are angry the horses were not removed from the property when discovered 10 days ago. The Orleans County Sheriff's Department said they do not have the resources to confiscate and care for the animals.
Investigators did remove eight dogs allegedly suffering from neglect.
The Landens have had similar issues concerning their animals before. In 1998, Jim Landen was charged with cruelty to animals, also in Orleans County. Those charges were dropped when he agreed to meet certain conditions.
Neighbors said Jim Landen only moved to Orleans County after officials in Niagara County barred him from owning animals. He denies that charge.
"I would be the first one to get down on somebody for mistreating animals. I'd be alongside them and maybe ahead of them. I can't even stand the thought of it," he said. Case Updates| James J. and Karen Landen of Ridge Road were arraigned last week on six more animal cruelty counts. They are scheduled to return to court Oct. 1 | | Update posted on Sep 11, 2003 - 6:11PM |
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