96 Neglected animals removed from farm
Nunica, MI (US)Incident Date: Tuesday, Mar 28, 1995
County: Ottawa
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged:
» Karen Zalsman
» Earl Postema
Karen Zalsman, 38, and her father, Earl Postema, 65, who owns the 100 acre property on 10586 State Road, Nunica, have each been charged with four counts of cruelty to animals and one count of failing to bury a dead animal. As a condition of their $1,000 bond the two asked a veterinarian examine the remaining animals.
The Humane Society along with volunteers removed 96 animals that were allegedly starving, diseased and injured. More of the animals are likely to be removed from the Nunica livestock operation. The assessment of the farm animals by a veterinarian may lead to more allegations of animal neglect.
Several of the animals not deemed to be in immediate danger were left at the farm. They found several animals still in poor condition and with little hope of improving.
A report from the veterinarian showed seven horses in poor condition, inadequate shelter, food and medicine on hand. No facilities to feed grain to the remaining animals and pens were too small with too much manure in them.
The West Michigan Veterinarian Services had not visited the farm in two years and previous contact revealed similar conditions for the animals.
Zalsman denied any of the animals were in poor health. She said she raised cattle, goats and other animals to sell migrant workers for food.
Earl Postema, 65 a truck driver had no comment. The misdemeanor charges the pair face carry a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Postema and Zalsman have filed a suit against the Humane Society in Ottawa County Circuit Court following the seizure of the animals. They are seeking the return of the animals and punitive damages exceeding $10,000.
Michigan law allows humane societies to investigate claims of abuse and neglect and said the societies can obtain warrants to enter private property and remove threatened animals.
Zalsman said she considered this entire matter to be a witch hunt.
Four goat carcasses had not been buried because the ground was frozen.
Baby rabbits were found that were chewed on by a buck rabbit that was immediately destroyed. There was a goat with two broken legs that had tried to jump a fence. The manure was kept in the goat barn as an insulation.
Zalsman and her father sell 1 to 3 month old goats to migrant workers for meat. Each one of the goats sells for about $100.
Karen Zalsman said, "I've never had anybody say anything about my animals being underfed or anything. I've never had any trouble until now."
Some of the goats, horses and rabbits were removed because they were emaciated and neglected. One of the horses had an open sore on its leg; baby rabbits had their ears chewed off.
At least 20 horses were in distress, and one colt lay dead in the pasture. Most of the pasture was covered with 2 feet of manure.
Four dead goats were found in a small barn filled with 4 feet of manure. It was so deep in the barn you could reach the rafters. Only the goats had access to shelter. There were also 40 to 50 malnourished and diseased ridden goats and three cows.
References- The Grand Rapids Press - Apr 1, 1995
- The Grand Rapids Press - Apr 4, 1995
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