CONVICTED: Was justice served?
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Case #9071 Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Hoarding 48 horses, ponies, donkeys, 32 dogs
New London, WI (US)Incident Date: Friday, Jul 3, 1998
County: Waupaca
Disposition: Convicted
Defendants/Suspects:
» Roberta S. Runge
» Lionel P. Young
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
Roberta S. Runge, 46, of New London was sentenced for 21 misdemeanor counts of animal neglect. It was determined that Runge was obsessed with collecting animals and did not intend to injure the animals.
On July 3 authorities seized her 48 horses, ponies, donkeys and 32 dogs for animal neglect by failing to feed and water the animals in her care. The inspectors said the animals had no access to food and adequate water supply.
The district attorney had recommended a jail sentence because Runge had intimidated a witness and didn't seem to understand the seriousness of the neglect.
Lionel P. Young, 67, who owns the farm is a co-defendant and he is charged with three counts of animal neglect.
Outagamie County Circuit Judge Dennis Luebke placed Runge on 10 years probation, ordered her to undergo counseling, to perform community service and she is forbidden to possess directly or indirectly any animal without the approval of her probation agent.
Runge's lawyer said, "This is not an intentional crime but a crime of negligence, where the best intentions went awry."
Judge Luebke warned Rudge any probation violation could lead to jail time and if her probation was revoked she could face up to 17 years in prison.
The executive director of the Fox Valley Humane Society said 29 dogs were still being cared for at the shelter and 37 horses, 10 donkeys were being held until they could be sold or placed.
Case UpdatesRoberta S. Runge, 49, who was accused of abusing and neglecting animals has been acquitted of all 21 counts against her in Outagamie County Circuit Court.
Runge had been convicted on all counts at an earlier trial, but the verdict was thrown out on an appeal based on the ineffectiveness of counsel and the charges were then refiled.
One pony was said to have its front hooves in such bad shape it was walking on its fetlocks, the joint just above the hoof. The pony was euthanized immediately.
Lionel P. Young was convicted earlier on one count in a plea deal. He was given three years probation. Young was required to pay $48,316 in restitution for care of the animals after they were seized from from his farm.
Runge and Young purchased the animals at auctions and tried to resell them for a profit.
Runge's new attorney, Eisenberg, said his client only intended to help the animals by nursing them back to health. His description of Runge to the jury as being mentally ill, homeless and a lifelong animal activist. A doctor's report said she was competent to stand trial.
Some witnesses from the first trial were not available for the second trial. | Source: Associated Press Wisconsin - Aug 23, 2001
Update posted on Jul 10, 2006 - 11:46AM |
References- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Nov 23, 1998
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