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Case Snapshot
Case ID: 6945
Classification: Hoarding
Animal: horse, other farm animal, bird (wildlife), bird (other farmed), goat
More cases in Marshall County, WV
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For more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.



Farmed animal neglect - over 100 seized
Glen Easton, WV (US)

Incident Date: Thursday, Jan 12, 2006
County: Marshall

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Mary Hartmen

Case Updates: 3 update(s) available

Marshall County Sheriff John Gruzinskas says, "We actually received this complaint last night, and one of our sergeants and animal control officers went to view the complaint site. And subsequent to that, they gained enough information that they went back out today with a search warrant. It appears to animal neglect on a very large scale." 

More than one hundred goats, dozens of horses, and several cats were found on the property, located just off of Fork Ridge in Marshall County. But that isn't all. Peacocks, llamas, emus, ducks and geese are living together in what is being called extremely deplorable conditions.

One goat was euthanized earlier in the afternoon on Jan 13, after it was found barely breathing on the floor of the property owner's home. And more needs to be done. Sheriff Gruzinskas says, "I don't know if our facilities here can handle this. We're gonna have to start looking for some help if we have to remove these animals."

But for now, the investigation continues, and no one has been charged. Officials are executing a second search warrant tonight for the property. The animals remain on the property, for now. Officials say some of them may need to be euthanized on scene, while others will be taken to an undetermined location to be nursed back to health. Seven News will continue to bring you details as they develop.


Case Updates

The property, just off of Fork Ridge in Moundsville, is owned by 60 year old Mary Hartmen, who's been charged with four counts of animal cruelty. But Sheriff John Gruzinskas says things are starting to turn around for Hartman and her more than 100 animals. Officials found more than 100 goats, dozens of horses, cats, dogs and other animals on the property, all in need of veterinary care. Hartman was arrested and charged just a few weeks ago, and Sheriff Gruzinskas says she and her family have already begin complying with the Health Department and the Prosecuting Attorney's office. Gruzinskas says, "The goat herd has been reduced. The family has and everyone in this case has taken up this cause to get this done. And that's what we wanted to see. We didn't want to necessarily put anybody in jail over this. We just wanted to achieve a goal." And that goal also includes cleaning up the property. A new septic system and well are being installed, and Hartman's family has hired a vet to spay and neuter the animals. No trial date has been set for the charges of animal cruelty. The sheriff also tells me that arrangements are being made for new housing on the property for Hartman. He says the possibly penalties for the charges of animal cruelty will be up to the prosecuting attorney's office.
Source: WTRF News - February 3, 2006
Update posted on Feb 18, 2006 - 5:05PM 
The Sheriff's Department, along with animal control officers, and five veterinarians, including one from the state, spent nearly two hours on the property just off of Fork Ridge. And, the Marshall County Sheriff John Gruzinskas says, it's not as bad as first thought. Hey says, "We don't have that contagious disease that we were very concerned with obviously. There are cases of animals that are in some sort of medical distress. A lot of, and this is something, we're gonna have to treat these animals again." That contagious disease is hoof rot, and Sheriff Gruzinskas says neighbors don't need to be concerned. The property owner and her attorney will meet with the sheriff's department January 20, 2006, and he expects charges will be filed.


The animals, more than 100 goats and dozens of others, will remain on the property, for now. But if they need to be moved, can the county afford it? The sheriff says they won't have to do it alone. Gruzinskas says, "We do have some commitments from the legislature that they have some contingency funds that may be able to help us out with this in the event that that scenario plays out that we need to do a large-scale rescue of the animals that are out there." But where will the animals go? A group of volunteers are on stand-by who have offered their assistance and property. Sheriff Gruzinskas says this case is now in the right hands, thanks to an anonymous tip. And he hopes others will contact his office if they suspect a case of animal cruelty in their neighborhoods. Gruzinskas says, "Our policy in this department, my policy as sheriff, when we receive these calls, we go. If someone thinks its important enough to call, we feel it's important enough to be there, and that's what we'll do. The Sheriff and all others are still taking precautions on the property, wearing protective clothing and masks to shield them from any possible disease. Five goats and several cats remain under quarantine at the Marshall County Animal Shelter.
Source: WTRF News - January 19, 2006
Update posted on Jan 24, 2006 - 1:08PM 
This farm on Fork Ridge, near Glen Easton, is under virtual quarantine according to the Sheriff. Most of them are still there and Grunzinskas says none are healthy. The woman who lives there is expected to face five counts of cruelty directly related to five goats. One had to be euthanized on the spot. The other four and some cats are being cared for at the animal shelter. Gruzinskas told us the animals on the farm are being well fed, but that's it. He wants to get a team of vets there this week to prevent any animals from dying. The Sheriff is also very concerned for the welfare of the person that has been living with these animals. Many, he says have hoof rot, very contagious, and he doesn't want them to leave the property. Also, professional wranglers may have to be brought in to capture the horses that have not been socialized.

The Sheriff says the whole episode may relate to a newly recognized disorder known as animal hoarding, where the owner literally loves the animals to the point of actual death and cannot see the harm. An expert on the disorder, veterinarian Gary Patronek of Tufts University says those who suffer from animal hoarding are almost always women.
Source: WTRF News - January 17, 2006
Update posted on Jan 19, 2006 - 3:28AM 

References

« WV State Animal Cruelty Map
« More cases in Marshall County, WV

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.

For more information regarding classifications and usage of this database, please visit the database notes and disclaimer.



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