The national animal-rights activist group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has apparently made itself familiar with the case, sending a letter last week to Franklin County’s District Attorney General J. Michael Taylor that urges him to prosecute Windom appropriately.
Melissa Lewis, cruelty caseworker with the Cruelty Investigations Department, penned the letter, which asks that Windom receive a psych evaluation, counseling and be banned from owning future pets.
“We respectfully ask that, if convicted, Windom be required to undergo a psychological evaluation followed by mandatory counseling at her own expense,” the letter states. “Because repeat crimes are the rule rather than the exception in such cases, we ask also that your office ensure that the defendant, if convicted, be barred from possessing animals for as long as possible (a common sentencing provision) and that animals remaining in her charge be seized.”
When authorities raided Windom’s home, they discovered 10 dead dogs on her property, as well as other animal remains. Also on the property were 32 surviving dogs, some starving; eight cats; five chickens; and various farm animals.
In addition to this, five children were later removed from Windom’s home due to, what law officials described as, deplorable living conditions.
PETA officials said Windom obviously shows signs of being an “animal hoarder” — someone who obsessively accumulates and neglects animals.
“Windom appears to be either unable or unwilling to provide animals with the most basic care,” says PETA Director Martin Mersereau. “Experts agree that dementia and other mental-health disorders may be at play in many hoarding cases and that upon conviction, only carefully considered sentencing and probationary conditions can preclude the otherwise inevitable recurrence of these crimes.”
The letter to Taylor further describes the behavior of animal hoarders and says Windom may suffer from a mental disorder that led to these unfortunate circumstances.
“Windom may be an animal hoarder. Hoarders create massive suffering while professing to care for their animals. A psychological addiction to warehousing animals supersedes any real concern for animal welfare. Their resources are usually constrained, making matters worse. The ‘hoarder syndrome’ is not rare — it’s pathological, and rates of recidivism approach 100 percent. Only specific sentencing provisions (or conditions of a plea agreement) can prevent repeat offenses.”
Taylor is scheduled to make a decision regarding Windom’s case this week. The case was scheduled to go to court Monday.
(Herald Chronicle - Oct 8, 2013)
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