Laura J. Roth, 57, and Keith K. Vonkampen, 55, have each been charged with two counts of being party to intentionally mistreating animals and two counts of being party to intentionally failing to provide food for animals. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of nine months in jail and a $10,000 fine.
Their initial appearances in front of Judge Mark Rohrer are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Monday. [Update: They pleaded not guilty. Roth's recognizance bond was set at $2,000. Her settlement conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Nov. 12. Vonkampen's bond also was set at $2,000.]
A Kiel veterinarian and Manitowoc County Sheriff's Department deputy on Aug. 6 responded to their home at 22415 Rockville Road, where they kept the dogs and cats.
According to the criminal complaint:
The smell of urine and feces permeated the home. Authorities found filthy kennels and dirty food and water dishes that were not regularly replenished or cleaned.
There was a large amount of clutter throughout the residence and the floor was covered with excess dirt, mud and animal hair. Authorities also found litter boxes heaped with excrement and some with what appeared to be mold.
More than 40 dogs, puppies, cats and kittens were surrendered to the Lakeshore Humane Society, the sheriff's department told the HTR earlier.
A Two Rivers veterinarian examined the animals the day after they were taken from the residence and found they all were infested with fleas, according to the complaint. All of the cats had ear mites and almost all of the cats had serious respiratory infection as well as eye infections. Many of the dogs had skin and ear infections. One dog had an eye condition called cherry eye, the complaint indicated.
Vonkampen, who owns the property and rents it to Roth, spends the majority of his time living at the Rockville Road address. Two dogs and six puppies belonged to him, he told authorities.
About 75 percent of the animals surrendered have since been adopted, said Tina Nichols, Lakeshore Humane Society shelter manager.
In another incident, more than 40 animals were confiscated from the home early last year by an animal rescue organization, said Richard Shannon, town constable.
(HTRNews.com - Oct 3, 2014)
No comments:
Post a Comment