Thursday, March 10, 2011

Wyoming: Marci Biesheuvel, operator of Litl' Bit of Love Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, raided again by authorities

WYOMING -- Cheyenne Animal Control officials seized 47 dogs and four cats from a mobile home near Carpenter Tuesday afternoon.

The residence where the animals were being kept was a public health hazard with "feces everywhere," said Rick Collord, Cheyenne Animal Shelter executive director.

The dogs, all different sizes and breeds, were being kept in the home of Marcy Biesheuvel, who operates the Litl' Bit of Love Animal Rescue and Sanctuary at the residence, according to Laramie County Sheriff's Department spokesman Gerry Luce.

Officials wearing protective masks carried the dogs and cats out of the residence.


No charges were issued against Biesheuvel as of Tuesday night, but Collord said animal cruelty charges could be brought today.

The seized animals were not in dire condition, but some were missing teeth. The animals smelled strongly of excrement, and some were acting aggressively, Collord said.

Some of the animals were being kept in crates in the residence. Collord said Biesheuvel was living in the residence with the animals.

The officials seized the dogs and cats after receiving a tip about conditions inside the home, Collord said.

The Health Department also responded to the scene Tuesday. The mobile home is located at 4765 County Road 206, about three miles north of Carpenter

The Laramie County Sheriff's Department obtained a search warrant on the residence.

REPEAT ANIMAL HOARDER, ABUSER

This is not the first time animal control officials have dealt with Biesheuvel. Last year 133 dogs, cats and rabbits were taken from Biesheuvel's home.

But charges against Biesheuvel were dropped in that case - NOT BECAUSE BIESHEUVEL WASN'T GUILTY BUT - because officers had failed to bring a licensed veterinarian to the scene to determine that the animals needed to be removed.

But a new animal cruelty bill passed by the Legislature this month may give the district attorney the ability to prosecute the case.

Meanwhile, the dogs and cats will be held at the Cheyenne Animal Shelter.

Collord said he understands that Biesheuvel wants to do the right thing. But he said she apparently gets overwhelmed and can't control how many animals she takes in.

"We're just trying to help the animals, and, in the long run, help her," Collord said.

Biesheuvel could not be reached for comment.

(Wyoming News - March 9, 2011)

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