Massachusetts: Cathy Richardson finally admits to starving her horses. In exchange, she gets three years probation

MASSACHUSETTS -- More than a year after she surrendered three emaciated horses  -- including the locally beloved Flora -- to the MSPCA, former Dracut selectman Cathy Richardson admitted to sufficient facts on animal cruelty charges earlier this month.

Richardson admitted facts on five counts of animal cruelty Monday, Oct. 3, in Lowell District Court, just before jury selection was scheduled to begin for her trial.

Judge Ellen Caulo continued the case without a finding for three years while Richardson is on probation, according to Elizabeth Vlock, spokeswoman for the Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan.

"Continued the case without a finding for three years" -- what this means is that she is NOT pleading guilty. She's admitting she did SOMETHING and, in exchange, the judge is putting her on probation for three years. As long as she doesn't get arrested (Misdemeanor/Felony) in the next 3 years, at the end of the 3 years, the animal cruelty charges will be dismissed. On her criminal record it will show that she was charged with animal cruelty for starving her horses, but it will also list DISMISSED.

She may also be able to get the entire thing expunged from her record afterwards. This would mean it gets completely removed from her record, and all the police reports, etc. associated with the case are blocked so no one can get access to them. 

The former selectman, who lost her bid for re-election earlier this year, was facing the animal cruelty charges for allegedly failing to provide adequate food, water and shelter to four horses and a mule last year.

Three of those horses were surrendered to the MSPCA's Nevins Farm in Methuen in March 2015, including Flora, who came to the farm severely underweight and with injuries.

DAMNING EVIDENCE AGAINST CATHY RICHARDSON
Veterinarian Dr. Bryan Parrott testified that Remy was seriously underweight to the point where "she was just a skeleton." He rated her body a one -- the worst -- on a 1-to-9 equine body-scoring scale.

Parrott also testified that Remy's hooves were "long and misshapen," and pus oozed from a festering wound on her withers. Her legs were stained with feces and urine, a sign that she was laying in her own excrement.

Veterinarian Dr. Bryan Parrott

Flora quickly became a sensation at Nevins Farm, capturing the hearts of many as she worked to regain hundreds of pounds and healed from severe wounds on her back and an eye injury.

Remy, or Flora as the mare was renamed by the MSPCA, as she 
appeared the day she was surrendered by Dracut Selectman 
Cathy Richardson. Courtesy MSPCA

Aiden Mackey, then an 11-year-old from Methuen, started a fundraiser to help with care for Flora and her fellow horses. Flora was then adopted by the Mankivsky family of Westwood last fall and has been boarded at Cerulean Farm in Millis ever since.

“Flora is continuing to thrive in her new home,” MSPCA spokesman Rob Halpin said Tuesday. “She's gained all the weight back that she lost and, as best we all can tell, is loving life.”

Dunkin and Dewey, the two other horses surrendered with Flora, were also deemed healthy by the MSPCA earlier this year.

Richardson's initial trial for the animal cruelty charges took place in early February of this year in Lowell District Court. On Feb. 4, Caulo, the judge, declared a mistrial in the case, Vlock said previously.

In a statement given to the Lowell Sun, Cathy Richardson insisted the decision to agree to the case being continued without a finding was “ultimately the best way to protect my family, my profession, my farm and my community as well as demonstrate my commitment to all four.”

Pff. Whatever. 

Remy as she appeared after being in the care of the
MSPCA, having regained weight. Courtesy MSPCA

Richardson was ordered by the judge to comply with MSPCA inspections and recommendations; provide and maintain proper conditions for all animals on her farm; to take an MSPCA course on equine care and animal husbandry; and to notify any programs that she hosts of the outcome of her case, Vlock said.

(Eagle Tribune - Oct 27, 2016)

Earlier:

• Ex-owner of Flora the horse, Cathy Richardson, denies animal cruelty charges
• Massachusetts: Animal control officer testifies she found emaciated horse on Richardson's farm
• Massachusetts: Mistrial declared in Dracut cruelty case against Cathy Richardson

Missouri: After trying to work with owner for months, starving horses and mules finally seized

MISSOURI -- Six horses and two mules were found starving and emaciated at a property ouside of Milan in Sullivan County and rescued by the Humane Society of Missouri.

The Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Task Force first became aware of this situation in June of this year and tried to work with the owner to improve conditions for the animals.

The animals’ condition continued to deteriorate and it became apparent the owners were unwilling to properly care for the animals.

As a result, the sheriff’s office obtained a warrant to have the animals removed from the property.

The animals are living on one acre of land barren of all forage. The property includes several buildings and not enough open land to provide sufficient grazing to sustain eight equine. When ACT investigators visited the property last week there was no food and only minimal, filthy water available to the animals.

“Allowing animals to slowly starve to death is the very definition of cruelty,” said Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri and Longmeadow Rescue Ranch. “We are recommending prosecution to the fullest extent of the law and will do everything we can to give these animals the second chances they so desperately deserve.” The horses and mules will be taken to the Humane Society of Missouri’s

Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union for an examination and recovery. But due to the extensive amount of time it takes to rehabilitate animals in such poor condition, the horses and mules may not be available for adoption for several months.

In the meantime, the owners of the equine are expected to be charged with six counts of animal abuse and neglect.

A hearing has been scheduled for Monday, October 24 to determine permanent custody of the animals.

(Fox2 - Oct 18, 2016)

Oregon: Agustin Garcia, 56, accused of sexual assault of an animal

OREGON -- A 56-year-old man is charged with the sexual assault of an animal.

Police say they arrested Agustin Lara Garcia for the incidents that reportedly occurred in late February.

The Yamhill County District Attorney’s Office charged Garcia with two counts of sexual abuse, which is a Class C felony.

According to court records, Garcia “did unlawfully, and for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of a person, touched and contacted the anus or sex organs of a horse or mule.”

Garcia appeared in court on Friday and released on conditions that he not have contact with animals while pending trial.

The next time Garcia is scheduled to be in court is March 30.

(KOIN - March 11, 2016)

Massachusetts: Mistrial declared in Dracut cruelty case against Cathy Richardson

MASSACHUSETTS -- A district court judge declared a mistrial Thursday in the animal-cruelty case against Dracut Selectman Cathy Richardson, after a veterinarian testified about the results of undisclosed medical tests on the sickest of Richardson's horses.

Dr. Bryan Parrott, a Hamilton-based equine specialist, said blood tests on Richardson's sickest horse, 30-year-old Remy, show the horse suffers from Cushing's disease and anemia. Cushing's disease is essentially a tumor on the pituitary gland that can cause weight loss, excessive thirst, changes in body shape, and muscle wasting. Anemia can cause weight loss and a heart murmur.

Veterinarian Dr. Bryan Parrott

Defense co-counsel Erich Bryant, who represents Richardson, told the judge that those symptoms "mirror" Remy's physical condition last March, which is a key aspect of the prosecution's case against Richardson, 55, of Dracut.

The judge gave prosecutors a Feb. 19 deadline to acquire from all veterinarians who treated the horses and the MSPCA all treatment records of all three horses after Richardson surrendered the animals in March 2015.

When contacted Thursday after the mistrial, MSPCA spokesman Rob Halpin initially said his organization was investigating why the test results on Remy, who was renamed Flora, were not provided to the Middlesex District Attorney's office.

But after looking into the matter further, Halpin said Thursday night that Parrott "mixed up" his cases, giving the test results for the wrong horse.

After checking with MSPCA staff, Halpin said, "There isn't anything else that we have that we haven't already sent to the prosecution."

Parrott could not be reached for comment at his veterinary office in Hamilton Thursday night.

Judge Ellen Caulo refused to dismiss the case against Richardson, but declared a mistrial and released the jury.

Richardson will face a new trial, starting April 25. She said she is "relieved" about Remy's underlying diagnosis, adding it explained why she had such a hard time putting weight on the horse.

Richardson said the past year has been "a living hell" as she awaited her trial.

Richardson is accused of failing to provide adequate food, water, shelter and sanitary conditions for her four horses -- Remy, Bailey, Blake and Baboo -- and a mule, Lucy, in March 2015. Remy was in the worst shape, suffering from what was determined to be severe weight loss that caused a protruding of her rib and hip bone and the bones along her spine. She also had a serious wound on her back and her hooves needed treatment.

During trial testimony on Wednesday and Thursday morning, then-Animal Control Officer Virginia Courtenay and MSPCA Sgt. Martha Parkhurst testified they inspected Richardson's farm almost daily in March 2015 after receiving a report of a "skinny" horse.

Courtenay and Parkhurst testified that all the horses appeared underweight, with Remy being the worst. At various times, there was no sign of food or water being provided to the horses and they were not provided with sanitary shelters.

At one point during last year's bitter winter, two horses took shelter under some tires because the man-made shelter was inaccessible due to manure and ice.

Parrott testified that Remy was seriously underweight to the point where "she was just a skeleton." He rated her body a one -- the worst -- on a 1-to-9 equine body-scoring scale.

Remy, or Flora as the mare was renamed by the MSPCA, as she
appeared the day she was surrendered by Dracut Selectman
Cathy Richardson. Courtesy MSPCA

Parrott also testified that Remy's hooves were "long and misshapen," and pus oozed from a festering wound on her withers. Her legs were stained with feces and urine, a sign that she was laying in her own excrement, Parrott testified.

According to MSPCA records:

* Bailey, a 16-year-old male, was thin, bordering on emaciated and lame on both front legs due to severe arthritis in one knee and a diseased left front hoof.

* Blake, a 10-year-old stallion, was thin and should have been castrated for health reasons.

* Baboo, an Arabian mare, age unknown, was thin and long overdue to have her hoofs trimmed.

* Lucy could not be examined because she was dangerous.

Parkhurst testified she gave Richardson recommendations for feeding, watering, veterinary care and cleaning. Richardson told Parkhurst she changed food and added a supplement, but after several days Parkhurst saw no overall improvements in conditions at the farm.

Remy as she appeared after being in the care of the
MSPCA, having regained weight. Courtesy MSPCA

Richardson allegedly told officials that the brutal winter with deep snow made it difficult to reach the horses. Parkhurst testified that Richardson allegedly said she had used up her hay delivery and was buying a bale of hay daily because that was all that would fit in her car.

Richardson was cordial and cooperative in dealing with officials, they said.

When Richardson allegedly disclosed that caring for the horses was becoming a financial hardship, Parkhurst suggested a voluntary surrender of three horses, Remy, Bailey and Blake. Baboo was given to a neighbor and Lucy remained on the farm.

(Lowell Sun - Feb 5, 2016)

Earlier:

• Ex-owner of Flora the horse, Cathy Richardson, denies animal cruelty charges
• Massachusetts: Animal control officer testifies she found emaciated horse on Richardson's farm

Massachusetts: Animal control officer testifies she found emaciated horse on Richardson's farm

MASSACHUSETTS -- After receiving a tip about a "skinny" horse at Dracut Selectman Cathy Richardson's farm last March, retired Animal Control Officer Virginia Courtenay testified Wednesday she visited the farm and found an emaciated horse.

The 29-year-old mare, Remy, had always been on the "thin side," Courtenay testified on Wednesday, "but never like this."

During Richardson's animal-cruelty trial in Lowell District Court, Courtney described seeing Remy's hip, spine and rib bones clearly showing under a heavy winter fur.

An investigation continued throughout March 2015 and involved the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention Against Cruelty to Animals. Officials accused Richardson of failing to provide adequate food, water, shelter, veterinary care and sanitary conditions for her four horses -- Remy, Blake, Bailey and Baboo -- and a mule named Lucy.

By March 23, Richardson voluntarily surrendered Remy, Blake and Bailey to the MSPCA, which has since adopted out the animals. Baboo went to a neighbor's home. Lucy remained at Richardson Farm.

The 55-year-old Dracut official is facing five counts of animal cruelty.

In his opening statement to the jury, prosecutor Matthew Bailey explained that Courtenay contacted the MSPCA due to the "alarming conditions" she saw at the farm. Courtenay testified she felt there was the possibility of animal cruelty because Remy was so thin.

Courtenay testified that after her initial visit to the farm, she bumped into Richardson at Town Hall. Richardson allegedly said she hadn't been able to get down to the barn to care for the horses due to the 10-foot snowdrifts caused by the brutal winter last year, Courtney testified.

Attorney Erich Bryant, who represents Richardson with attorney Debra Dewitt, agreed that the animals were thin but said Richardson did not neglect them. Instead, Bryant said the horse in the worst condition, Remy, was elderly and struggled to maintain weight despite Richardson's attempt to change food.

"She does everything she can to make sure the horses don't lose any more weight," Bryant told the jury.

Veterinarian Dr. Bryan Parrott

Prosecutors introduced the veterinarian's report which noted:

* "Remy," a 29-year-old standard-bred mare was emaciated (with a body score of '1' out of a scoring range of 1-9, with 4-5 being ideal), with an infected wound, sores on both hips, an injured left eye and untreated corneal ulcer. She has very long hooves that were long overdue to be trimmed.

* "Bailey," a 16-year-old thoroughbred gelding bordered on being emaciated. Lame on both front legs due to severe arthritis in the right knee and a severely diseased left front hoof.

Remy, or Flora as the mare was renamed by the MSPCA, as she 
appeared the day she was surrendered by Dracut Selectman 
Cathy Richardson. Courtesy MSPCA

* "Blake," a 10-year-old Appaloosa was listed as "thin." With only one viable testicle, the horse should have been castrated for health and behavioral reasons. This horse caused open wounds to Remy by repeatedly trying to mate with her because they were kept in the same enclosure.

* "Baboo," an Arabian mare of unknown age. She was described as "thin" with very long hooves.

* "Lucy," a mule-cross mare of unknown age. She couldn't be examined because she couldn't be handled and was deemed dangerous.

Richardson voluntarily surrendered her three horses to the MSPCA because "she didn't want any harm to come to them," Bryant told the jury as Richardson wiped away tears.

"There is no question the horses were thin," Bryant said, "but was it her (Richardson's) fault?"

(Lowell Sun - Feb 3, 2016)

Earlier:

• Ex-owner of Flora the horse, Cathy Richardson, denies animal cruelty charges

Ambrosio Gonzalez-Mondragon, 74, jailed after animals die when reportedly left for a month without water

TEXAS -- A man was jailed Tuesday after officials say two horses and a mule died on his property near Moody when he never gave them water.

Ambrosio Gonzalez-Mondragon, 74, was charged with animal cruelty, according to legal documents filed in the case.

A necropsy — an autopsy for animals — was not performed, said McLennan County Sheriff’s Detective Joseph Scaramucci, but “the fact that there was a bare-boned trough and no running water shows he failed to reasonably provide water.”
The animals were there for about a month, Scaramucci said.

Officials were called on an animal cruelty allegation on July 27, and an affidavit says Gonzalez-Mondragon was told he would need to provide water for the animals, since there was no running water on the property.

The horses and mule were later found dead, and officials determined that the water troughs were dry and looked like they had never been used.

Gonzalez-Mondragon was booked in to the McLennan County Jail on Tuesday. He was released later that day on a $2,000 bond.

(Waco Tribune - Sept 2, 2015)

Dramatic Rescue Effort Underway in Animal Cruelty Case Involving Seven Horses, Mules, and a Mini-Horse

TENNESSEE -- American Humane Association's renowned Red Star® Rescue team, accompanied by one of their 50-foot Lois Pope Red Star Rescue Vehicles, an F-350 truck, and a horse trailer, has deployed to Tennessee at the request of the Fayette County District Attorney's Office to participate in a dramatic raid in Moscow this week aimed at saving, rehabilitating, and caring for ten starving and severely dehydrated animals, including seven horses, two mules, and one mini-horse. 

The animals, which are barely clinging to life, are on IV fluids and one was so starved it may need a blood transfusion.

The animals are being removed and taken to a temporary emergency animal shelter facility where they will be given food, medical treatment, and intensive 24 hour care until they are out of danger.

They will then be transported to a facility in Tennessee for long-term sheltering and rehabilitation.

The Red Star program's presenting sponsor is Mars Petcare US, makers of PEDIGREE® Food for Dogs. The giant rescue vehicle on the scene was sponsored by philanthropist Lois Pope and Banfield Pet Hospital®.

"It is a heartbreaking sight," said Josh Cary, a longtime member of the Red Star Rescue team. "The animals are in terrible condition and we are doing whatever we can to provide comfort, care and veterinary assistance to these poor creatures now and during their rehabilitation."

This is not the first time that American Humane Association's Red Star team has deployed to assist in a cruelty case in Fayette County. 

Last year, eighteen horses and a mule were saved after nearly starving to death. Two years ago, 141 dogs were rescued in deplorable condition from the back of a U-Haul trailer in which they were being transported near Memphis.

American Humane Association helped care for the animals and arranged for a special airlift of those who were not adopted locally to a safe shelter to find forever homes. Red Star was also involved in a hoarding case in Moscow, Tennessee, rescuing and helping to care for more than 140 animals who were being kept in a private home.

(Sys-Con Media - July 16, 2015)

Massachusetts: Ex-owner of Flora the horse, Cathy Richardson, denies animal cruelty charges

MASSACHUSETTS -- The lawyer for a member of the Dracut select board who's facing animal cruelty charges has asked a judge for a change of venue because of all the publicity in the case.
 

The Sun of Lowell reports that Cathy Richardson was released on personal recognizance after pleading not guilty to five counts of animal cruelty on Wednesday in Lowell District Court.

Prosecutors and animal welfare officials allege that the 55-year-old Richardson failed to provide food, water and shelter to several horses and a mule on her family's farm last winter.

Richardson voluntarily surrendered three horses last month.

One of the horses, Flora, has captured the attention of many people at the MSPCA's Nevins Farm in Methuen, including an 11-year-old Methuen boy, Aiden Mackey, who has started a fund to help pay for her care.

Richardson told investigators that snow drifts were so high this winter that she couldn't see the animals and could not get to their barn to care for them.

Richardson has stepped down as board chairwoman.
 
(Eagle Tribune - May 7, 2015)

Two horses found dead in alleged animal abuse case

TENNESSEE -- Two horses are dead after what is believed to be an extreme case of animal cruelty.

Now the Madison County Sheriff's Office is trying to track down who is responsible for leaving the animals to starve.

A witness describes the condition of a mule when she found him Wednesday on a Madison County property.

 

"It just acted sickly. That's all you can really say. It was lifeless," she said. The witness asked WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News not to use her name.

A veterinarian said the mule, the only animal deputies found alive, is now fighting for his life.

"You could see its ribs, all of its bones. It looked like it could be saved, so we called the sheriff's department," she said.

Sheriff John Mehr said two dead horses were found by deputies when they arrived at the field off Riverside Drive in south Madison County.

"The person who owned the horses actually died several years back, and nobody knows who is actually in charge of property anymore," Mehr said.

Now investigators are trying to track down who was taking care of the animals and when and why they stopped.

"We'll go back and see who was the next of kin," Mehr said.

The woman who found the mule said she believes someone neglected the animals on purpose.

"The horse hasn't been fed. When I saw it, it was eating dirt off the ground for food and bark off trees. It was kind of frustrating," she said.

She hopes deputies are able to track down the culprit.

"It's an animal. It has feelings just like you do. It wants to be fed, wants water. It just breaks my heart to know there are people out there that would do this to an animal," she said.

The mule will stay with Redemption Road Rescue until they find him a new home.

(WBBJ - Sep 25, 2014)

Man being investigated for animal cruelty arrested after beating reporter who is covering story

WEST VIRGINIA -- State Police arrested Howard Lilly for allegedly attacking reporter Bob Aaron while filming a story [about possible animal cruelty] Monday in Clay County.

Lilly is charged with destruction of property, grand larceny and malicious wounding.

He is being held on a $25,000 property or cash bond.

State Police say Lilly confessed to attacking Aaron and say he was remorseful and tearful.

[Is he "remorseful and tearful" for abusing/neglecting his animals? If he were innocent, why not invite the reporter onto your property to see how healthy and happy and well-cared for your animals are? Guilty people have something to hide and react this way.]

Aaron was taken to the hospital as a precaution but is doing well. He has deep tissue bruising but no broken bones.

EARLIER:
Working alone on a story about possible animal abuse in Clay County, Eyewitness News reporter Bob Aaron is attacked while shooting video while standing on a public road.

"He came up off of his property onto the roadway," Aaron said. "And before we could have much of a conversation further about it he came at me grabbed the tripod and starting hitting me with it. He broke the camera lens and gave me a couple of pretty good shots before we left."

Bob sustained injuries to his leg and finger. His tripod was taken by the attacker and his camera was destroyed. Bob went to a local hospital as a precautionary measure but his injuries did not appear to be serious.

"I can't believe this is happening," Aaron said. "I think I might even know this guy maybe from mules or someplace in the past. And he kind of just went crazy there for a minute. And then he wouldn't return the tripod. He said I'm keeping it and he went back onto his property."

Bob said he did not get close enough to the horses and mules to see if they were in distress.

Eyewitness News will follow up on that part of the story to make sure they are being properly cared for.

"No question I had the right to be there but sometimes people don't understand that," Aaron said.
"That you do on public property. They don't want themselves photographed. They don't want their residence photographed. They don't want something photographed and that's the reaction you get out of them."

The Clay County detachment of the West Virginia State Police is working on the case. Eyewitness News has been told a warrant will be issued and that an arrest is expected.

(WCHSTV - Jul 8, 2014)

Woman sentenced to three years for animal cruelty

A 58-year-old woman will spend three years in prison for 22 counts of animal cruelty.

More than 60 animals were seized from Valerie Harris' farm in Boone in 2012.

Valerie Christine Harris

Our partners at the Pueblo Chieftain report animal control officers found nearly 30 horses, donkeys and mules, and more than 30 dogs.
   
Officers obtained a warrant after viewing a dead horse on her property.

Harris was arrested again a few weeks later after a neighbor reported seeing more dead horses on his property and on hers.

(KRDO - Jun 14, 2014)

Horse-Drawn Hearse Offers Different Experience

WYOMING -- The visual image is striking, a line of cars following a team of horses carrying a casket to Sheridan's municipal cemetery.

Mark Ferries, owner of Champion Ferries Funeral Home, says he doesn't get many requests for such a conveyance these days, but when he does, he has a horse-drawn hearse for the occasion.

Ferries bought the hearse in 1990, after learning of a funeral home in Miles City, Montana, that used horse-drawn vehicles. Ferries said he and his wife, Colleen, talked about the idea and liked the possibilities. Ferries talked about the appeal of the hearse.

Ferries said the first 10 years after he purchased the hearse, the vehicle saw use three or four times a year. In the years since, it has been used only three or four times total, but he keeps it available for families who want to use it.

He said, “I'm sure we'll keep using it, but not quite as often as I'd hoped.”

The hearse is set up to be drawn by a team of two horses – or mules, Ferries said, adding that a team of black mules was used in the funeral of an individual who liked the long-eared animals. Champion-Ferries Funeral Home doesn't have a team of its own. A driver and team are hired, and the cost of that is added to the total cost of the funeral.

Ferries' father and uncle came to Sheridan in 1965 and bought a funeral home on Main Street, which they renamed Ferries. “They kind of retired in the mid 1970s,” Mark Ferries said. He and his family were not in Sheridan at that time. They returned in 1981 and bought the funeral home in 1988.

 In 2000, Ferries acquired Champion Funeral Home, which added the “Champion” to his business. He also that year moved from Main Street to his current site on Whitney Street.

(Sheridan Media - Oct 13, 2013)

PETA asks DA to prosecute in local animal abuse case

TENNESSEE -- In August, Decherd resident Elizabeth Jean Windom was arrested and charged with 28 counts of animal cruelty after local law enforcement found several dead and starving animals at her residence.

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)

Earlier:

• Five children removed from home following animal cruelty charges
• Decherd woman charged with 28 animal cruelty counts
• Dozens of dead and neglected animals rescued in Tennessee

Tennessee: Animal cruelty charges against convicted felon Lee Krisle dismissed after police failed to swear for warrant

TENNESSEE -- The animal cruelty case against Robertson County businessman (and CONVICTED FELON) Lee Coleman Krisle has been dismissed after a judge ordered that most of the key evidence in the case be suppressed.

“I felt we did not have enough evidence to take what was left of the case to a jury,” said Robertson County Assistant District Attorney Dent Morriss. “So, I reluctantly dismissed it. At least we were able to get the animals that were there out of the situation they were in.”

The case was dismissed Friday, Sept. 27.

Krisle, 55, was charged with eight counts of animal cruelty in February. His original indictment, handed down by the Robertson County Grand Jury, claims that he failed to provide needed food and water, along with proper shelter and care for eight animals – seven horses and one mule. Documents also describe the mule as having an injured leg with wire wrapped around it.

When contacted by phone last week, Krisle insisted that he was innocent of the charges, saying that he bought the animals in the conditions described in the indictment.

“I knew I was going to win even if I went to court,” he said. “I had done nothing wrong. I just got accused and my name smeared through the mud.”

At an August court hearing, Robertson County Judge Michael R. Jones ordered that evidence collected during a search of Krisle's property could not be used in trial because the search warrant was not valid, according to court documents.

The warrant was thrown out because an employee of the Humane Society of the United States signed it, but the employee was not authorized to do so, according to Krisle.

[According to online postings, the local police - who know that search warrants have to be sworn to and executed by a certified law enforcement officer - stood by and let the humane society representative go in and swear to the warrant in front of a judge.]

The rules of criminal procedure require that search warrant applications be made by law enforcement officers.

Krisle went on to say that the eight animals cited in the indictment were pulled from a group of 29. They were all purchased within six weeks of the search, he said.

[According to online posts, this is a lie. He owned these horse for FOUR MONTHS.]

“I am a licensed livestock dealer,” he said. “What condition I buy (animals) in has nothing to do with me. If the district attorney wants to charge someone, they need to look at the people who sold these animals to me.”

The animals seized during the search of Krisle’s property were turned over to Horse Haven of Tennessee in Knoxville, an equine rescue facility.

Last month, Horse Haven's Executive Director Nina Margetson said the mule had to be put down at the time of pick up. One other horse from the case also died about a week after the animals were placed into her organization's care, she said.

"The other six have since been adopted out," she added.

According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s criminal history report, Krisle has four felony convictions and numerous misdemeanor arrests dating back to 1981.

He has been convicted of two counts of theft of livestock out of Robertson County as well as one count of theft over $10,000 and one count of theft over $1,000 in Sumner County, records show.

(The Tennesseean - Oct 8, 2013)

Five children removed from home following animal cruelty charges

TENNESSEE -- Five children have been removed from a Franklin County home due to deplorable living conditions, stemming from an earlier animal cruelty investigation a Decherd residence.

According to authorities, the children were living with their parents, and grandmother Elizabeth Jean Windom at 1829 Oak Grove Road when Windom was arrested on charges of animal cruelty.

Franklin County Chief Deputy Brent Perry explained the situation.

 “As a result of the investigation the children have been removed from the home due to poor living conditions,” he said. “The children are no longer permitted to reside at their grandmother’s home.

“The children and their parents have relocated to another location and their situation is being monitored by the Department of Children’s Services.” 

During the investigation authorities found numerous dead dogs and starving dogs, a horse, five chickens, a duck and eight cats.

According to reports, animals were discovered dead and decayed while still chained up.

The Franklin County Animal Control staff took in 32 dogs and eight cats following the investigation.

These animals will not be available for adoption for some time due to their condition and the fact that none of the animals taken from Windom’s residence can be adopted out until after the court proceedings.

Windom is facing a total of 28 counts of cruelty to animals. She is currently out of jail on bond and is scheduled to appear in Franklin County General Sessions Court on Oct. 7 at 8 a.m.

(Herald Chronicle - August 24, 2013)

Earlier:

• Dozens of dead and neglected animals rescued in Tennessee
• Decherd woman charged with 28 animal cruelty counts

Decherd woman charged with 28 animal cruelty counts

TENNESSEE -- After an investigation by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, a Decherd woman, who’d been attempting to care for a large number of animals at her home, was arrested Monday on charges of animal abuse and neglect.

Elizabeth Jean Windom, 56, of 1829 Oak Grove Road, is facing a total of 28 counts of cruelty to animals. On Monday she was placed in Franklin County Jail on $15,000 bond.

Last Friday, Franklin County Animal Control received a report of animal abuse at Windom’s residence. Animal Control staff and deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office then responded to Windom’s house to find dozens of dogs starving outside.

In addition to retrieving severely malnourished animals, the officers said they found more than 20 dead dogs and remains of animals that investigators are still working to identify.

Franklin County Sheriff Tim Fuller said one of Windom’s children, their spouse and their six kids were also living in the home on Oak Grove Road. According to the sheriff, the safety of the children and whether the home is acceptable to live in is still being determined.

As a result of this animal rescue and recovery, Franklin County Animal Control staff has taken in 32 dogs and eight cats, causing a space shortage at the facility.

And dogs and cats weren’t the only animals rescued from the property. According to Franklin County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Brent Perry, Windom also had five chickens, a duck, a horse and a mule on the property.

“Franklin County’s Agriculture Extension Office has helped us find foster homes for the farm animals,” Perry said. “All the dogs and cats were taken to the shelter, so this has driven up our population tremendously.”

Perry, who oversees Franklin County Animal Control, stated he was aware Windom was trying to house and feed a large quantity of animals at her house, and in the beginning all the animals were being adequately cared for.

“We made visits to the house and all were in pretty good shape,” he said. “Each of the dogs had houses, and there was enough food and water.”

However, Perry mentioned Animal Control staff recently received complaints about Windom’s animals “running at large.”

“When we went out there Friday, we found that the animals’ health had declined, and there wasn’t food or water for the animals,” he said. “We then made arrangements to feed the animals until we picked them up Monday.”

Being such a difficult situation to encounter, Perry commended Animal Control officer Jimmy Riddle, Sheriff’s Inv. George Dyer and the entire Animal Control staff for all they’ve done in recovering the animals.

Because some of the dogs are extremely underweight, it’ll likely take months to get these animals’ health back up to par, authorities said.

“It’s going to take a lot of work for us to get these animals where we can get them adopted out,” Perry said.

With space being tight, Franklin County Animal Control has been fortunate to receive some assistance from nearby shelters.

“We’ve taken a few of our dogs to Clarksville and Chattanooga,” Perry said.

Perry said the dogs are ones that were previously at the shelter. He added that none of the animals taken from Windom’s residence can be adopted out until after the court proceedings.

Windom is scheduled to appear in Franklin County General Sessions Court on Oct. 7 at 8 a.m.

(Herald Chronicle - August 16, 2013)

Earlier:

• Dozens of dead and neglected animals rescued in Tennessee

Dozens of dead and neglected animals rescued in Tennessee

TENNESSEE -- A rescue and recovery effort in Franklin County. Dozens of dogs are dead and more than 30 other animals are rescued from a Winchester home. Now the pets' owner is behind bars charged with animal cruelty.

Elizabeth Jean Windom was brought to the Franklin County Jail Monday, after being arrested for 28 counts of animal abuse and neglect. Franklin County Animal Control received a report of animal abuse at Windom's home last Friday.

Animal Control and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office went to Windom's house on Oak Grove Road and found 30 dogs starving outside.

They also discovered more than 20 dead dogs, along with the remains of other animals that investigators are working on identifying. 8 cats, a horse, a mule and a duck were also on the property, along with several chickens.

Deputies took the neglected animals to Animal Control. The space is limited, so healthier animals already at Animal Control were taken to shelters to be adopted out.

Sheriff Fuller says one of Windom's children and their spouse lives at her house, along with their 6 kids. Fuller says the safety of the children and whether the home is clean enough to live in are being looked into.

Sheriff Fuller says to his knowledge Elizabeth Windom doesn't have a criminal history prior to this arrest. She is still in jail Tuesday night on a $15,000 bond.

(WZTV - Aug 14, 2013)