Owner of dozens of horses and dogs arrested, charged with animal neglect

MISSOURI -- For neighbors, of Amy Allen, it's been a five year battle, countless calls to law enforcement, and buying extra bags of food.

[Note: The spelling of her name has been listed in later news stories as Amy Allan.]

They've seen the horses get worse every year. Now they hope they can be nursed back to health.

KSPR first did a story on Amy Allen’s horses in July shedding light on the neglected horses.

Rescue Operator Tammy Cook said they were in need of medical attention.

After hearing neighbors say they've tried for years to get the horses help, Cook stepped in.

The horses were moved from that Rogersville location but recently, pictures were sent to Cook by someone close to the situation. Turns out Allen has about 20 horses and just as many dogs, some in very bad condition.

Cook posted the pictures on Facebook hoping to catch the attention of officers.

“We gave them a little push, put it on Facebook for people to call the prosecutor,” she said.

Calls came in from around the country, people outraged on what they saw.

Tuesday the Stone County Sheriff's Office arrested the owner, Amy Allen for animal neglect or abandonment.

“They did notice one horse died, the carcass was still there and there was one dog dead, a lot of the dogs looked underfed,” said Stone County Sheriff Richard Hill

We tried to talk to Allen as she was posting bail at the Sheriff's office.

Allen faces three total counts of animal abuse or neglect, two were filed in September.

As a condition to her bond, Allen can now only have two animals on her property.

A state vet and sheriff's deputy will return to her property Wednesday.

“It’s likely all animals won't be taken, she may be given a period of time to sell or whatever,” said Sheriff Hill.

 

Neighbors and Cook say they are happy something is finally being done but at least one horse died because it took so long.

“I hope she's learned her lesson and never does this again,” said Cook.

Several people including Cook have approached Allen to help feed, even take some horses for her but she has refused the help.

Because Allen had multiple locations for her horses, the Stone County Sheriff says she could face other charges in different counties.

Tammy Cook is now trying to find homes for the horses and dogs. A vet will determine tomorrow which ones need immediate help and removal.

[Other news sites have spelled her name Amy Allan.]

(KSPR - Oct 9, 2012)