Florida: Sandra Tanksley, 35, accused of starving her 11 horses; takes yet another trip to county lockup

FLORIDA -- Eleven rescued horses plus one stray Shetland pony have added up to big bills for the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society this holiday season.

So far, more than $8,000 has been spent on the animals, most of which were confiscated last month from land up in the north part of the county.

"We kept getting multiple calls about horses," said Mary Rudder, head of animal control and adoption at PAWS. "They were all on different properties. "Some were emaciated. Some looked good."

On Tuesday, a 35-year-old Holt woman was charged on one count of cruelty to animals. According to a spokesman from the Florida Department of Agriculture, she had deprived the horses of necessary sustenance.

She was arrested by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office on a warrant from the Department of Agriculture. The state agency got involved after receiving complaints from PAWS about the condition of some of her horses.

One horse in particular - an older mare named Homework - was particularly emaciated, according to reports.

The animals were being kept in a field that was bare of grass due to the season and the drought. A small quantity of hay on the ground was littered with feces, the report said.

Most of the horses - including the one in the worst condition - are Welsh ponies, though a few are full-size horses.

Rudder said an individual living on the properties where the horses were kept was supposed to be caring for them, but hadn't been.

PAWS is awaiting a judge's ruling on whether ownership of the horses will be transferred to the agency, which would make them available for adoption.

Rudder said they have been getting calls from folks wanting to adopt the horses, all of which are "fat and happy" after weeks of care.

In addition to feed, all of the animals required bloodwork, a veterinary examination and work on their hooves.

Mixed in with the bunch is a friendly little Shetland pony who was taken in after turning up repeatedly in a Baker resident's yard.

Two of the confiscated horses are at PAWS in Fort Walton Beach, while the rest are being cared for at the shelter's north county facilities.

The agency has been helped by Farm and Garden World in Laurel Hill. The store allowed them to set up an account to get hay and feed, as needed, and donated money to the account.

"I believe in helping people," said Marie Davis, who manages Farm and Garden World. "I believe in helping animals."

"People don't realize when they get this cute little animal and this cute little animal grows up and they just throw it out," she added. "It's really sad. I just thank God every day for PAWS. They're fantastic."

 

ARREST INFORMATION:
Full Name: Sandra Renee Tanksley
Gender: Female
Birthdate: 01/30/1981
Height: 5'04"
Weight: 135 lbs
Hair Color: BLOND/STRAWBERRY
Eye Color: BLUE
Arrest Age: 35
Arrest Date: 12/20/2016
Arresting agency: Okaloosa County, Florida
Time: 2:40 PM
Total Bond: $1850
Charges:
#1 CONSERVATION-ANIMALS: TORMENT DEPRIVE MUTILATE KILL
STATUTE: 828.12-1
BOND: $1500

#2 HOLD / SANTA ROSA COUNTY / FTA / UNLAWFUL CONFINEMENT OR ABANDONMENT OF ANIMAL
STATUTE: Hold
BOND: $350

 

(NWF Daily News - Dec 22, 2016)

Florida: Sandra Tanksley, 31, arrested on methamphetamine charges

FLORIDA -- The Walton County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday arrested Sandra Tanksley, 31, and James Young, 48, of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., on methamphetamine drug charges.

The WCSO investigation began after a state probation officer requested deputies to assist in a routine residence check occupied by Young who was serving probation.

The probation officer discovered a plastic bag containing a white substance in Young’s pocket. WCSO vice/narcotics investigators observed the probation officer conduct a field-test of the substance and determined it was possibly methamphetamines.

A glass pipe consistent with commonly used methods for smoking illegal narcotics was also located inside the residence.

After a probable cause search warrant was obtained and executed, deputies recovered what appeared to be approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine oil, 100 grams of pseudoephedrine, and other ingredients and drug paraphernalia commonly used with production or use of methamphetamines.

Young and Tanksley were each charged with two counts of trafficking more than 14 grams of methamphetamine, a first-degree felony; and one count of production of methamphetamine, a second-degree felony.

They were booked into the Walton County Jail in DeFuniak Springs.

(WJHG - Feb 16, 2012)

VARIOUS ARRESTS:

July 3, 2009
Charge:
DRIVE WHILE LIC SUSP 1ST OFF. STATUTE: 322.34(2a) ( M)

December 11, 2009
Charges
#1 BATT LEO. STATUTE: 784.07-2b. BOND: $2000
#2 POCS W/O SCRIPT. STATUTE: 893.13-6a. BOND: $2500
#3 POP. STATUTE: 893.147-1. BOND: $500
#4 RAWOV. STATUTE: 843.02. BOND: $500
#5 OUT-OF-COUNTY WARRANT-SWANNEE CO FTA/DWLSR. STATUTE: 901.04.
BOND: $500

June 8, 2011
Charge:
OUT-OF-COUNTY WARRANT. STATUTE: 901.04 ( N)

February 16, 2012
Charges:
#1 DRUGS-PRODUCE MFG METHAQUALONE OR MECLOQUALONE DERIV SCHED I. STATUTE: 893.13(1A1) ( F). BOND: $10,000
NOTES: PRODUCE METHAMPHETAMINE
#2 AMPHETAMINE-TRAFFIC OR METHAMPHETAMINE 14 GRAMS OR OVER
STATUTE: 893.135(1F1) ( F). BOND: $10,000
#3 AMPHETAMINE-TRAFFIC OR METHAMPHETAMINE 14 GRAMS OR OVER
STATUTE: 893.135(1F1) ( F). BOND: $10,000

 

May 8, 2012
Charge:
VIOLATION OF PROBATION (VOP), RAWV, POSSESSION OF COCAINE. STATUTE: 948.06

April 8, 2013
Charge:
OUT-OF-COUNTY WARRANT/WALTON CO SO/BURGLARY UNOCCUPIED DWELLING, UNARMED. STATUTE: 901.04. BOND: $5,000

April 30, 2014
Charge:
OUT-OF-COUNTY WARRANT. STATUTE: 901.04 (N N)

January 3, 2016
Charge:
OPIUM OR DERIV-POSSESS. STATUTE: 893.13.1a3 (F M). BOND: $5,000

October 8, 2016
Charge:
OUT-OF-COUNTY WARRANT. STATUTE: 901.04 (N N). BOND: $2,000

United Kingdom: Man and boy walking pit bull unable to control it when it breaks loose to attack a horse and rider. Afterwards, they run off with the dog

UNITED KINGDOM -- my niece's horse was savaged by a staffy (Staffordshire Pit Bull Terrier) today at tilesgeds ....a lad and his young son were walking down the back path from O'Briens way when his dog got into field.

The lad ran away ..this happened around 130 today did you see any one with a young boy around 6-7 yr old and a staffy please please inbox any information you have no names no questions asked ....

police are involved and taking the matter seriously they are checking cctv (surveillance video) from O'Briens and surrounding areas to try identify them .....please if you seen them or have any information please drop me a inbox or a call or text on 07933956281

 

 

 

 

  

 

Updated story:

• United Kingdom: Savage pit bull attack leaves child’s pony bloody and distressed; authorities searching for pit bull owner who fled with dog and small boy

United Kingdom: Savage pit bull attack leaves child’s pony bloody and distressed; authorities searching for pit bull owner who fled with dog and small boy

UNITED KINGDOM -- A pony has been left scarred for life after being mauled by two dogs as she grazed.

The animal’s eight-year-old owner Lexie Ramshaw has been left traumatised after seeing her pony, called Rose, bloody and distressed.

The animal had to be sedated so a vet could treat her wounds - which included a three-inch hole to her neck.

  

The five-year-old Welsh section A pony needed 10 stitches to bite marks above her eye and to her nose.

Witnesses watched on in horror as the two Staffordshire bull terriers attacked Rose in a field in Tile Shed Lane, East Boldon, before a man - who is believed to have been in charge of them - leapt over the fence to kick and punch them in a bid to get them to stop their assault.

The man, who was with a young boy, then fled with the dogs.

Lexie’s mum Kerryann, 28, of Whiteleas, South Shields, said: “I was at work when I got a phone call and the vet came straight out. Rose was really distressed.

“She’s calmed down a bit now, but being a Welsh pony, she’s easily spooked

“I’ve taken her out on a lead for a walk and she saw a couple of dogs. She started to snort but was a bit better than I thought she would be, but I don’t think she’ll ever be the same.

“She had to be sedated when it happened because the vet couldn’t get near her, she was just too sore and she had to be cleaned up.

“She’ll be scared for life by this and it’ll be easy to see because of her color.

Kerryann, who works at Morrisons in South Shields and also owns another horse, bought Rose in June.

Lexie, a pupil at Simonside Primary, has been learning to ride on her since the summer.

While the family remains upset by the attack, they have been comforted by the number of people who have been in touch to offer kind words and helped spread the word to try and track down the dog owner.

Kerryann added: “Lexie was traumatized, she’s broken her heart over it. I was shocked when I saw the pony and Lexie wants to know why this happened to her pony. If these dogs have done it to one, they could do it to another.”

 

 

Northumbria Police are investigating the incident, which happened between 12.20pm and 12.30pm on Friday,

A spokeswoman said: “The pony was in a secure field when two dogs leapt over the fence and attacked it. The dogs are believed to belong to a man who failed to control them at the time of the attack.

Anyone with information can contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 447 311016 or Crimetoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

(Shields Gazette - Nov 1, 2016)

Related:

• United Kingdom: Man and boy walking pit bull unable to control it when it breaks loose to attack a horse and rider. Afterwards, they run off with the dog

United Kingdom: Man and boy walking pit bull unable to control it when it breaks loose to attack a horse and rider. Afterwards, they run off with the dog

UNITED KINGDOM -- my niece's horse was savaged by a staffy (Staffordshire Pit Bull Terrier) today at tilesgeds ....a lad and his young son were walking down the back path from O'Briens way when his dog got into field.

The lad ran away ..this happened around 130 today did you see any one with a young boy around 6-7 yr old and a staffy please please inbox any information you have no names no questions asked ....

police are involved and taking the matter seriously they are checking cctv (surveillance video) from O'Briens and surrounding areas to try identify them .....please if you seen them or have any information please drop me a inbox or a call or text on 07933956281

 

 

 

 

  

 

Updated story:

• United Kingdom: Savage pit bull attack leaves child’s pony bloody and distressed; authorities searching for pit bull owner who fled with dog and small boy

Illinois: Cop blames victim when she has to use pitchfork to keep his pit bull at bay

ILLINOIS -- It was a great column to write. And we got lots of positive feedback after publishing the story of the young Aurora police officer who responded to a call of an aggressive dog, only to end up adopting the pit bull he eventually named Shield after she was scheduled to be put down.

Unfortunately, some endings to stories, even the feel-good ones, don’t have a happily ever after.

At least it didn’t for Barb Malkowsi, who says Shield attacked her Welsh pony named Red a week ago, then showed aggression toward her as she wielded a pitchfork to keep the dog at bay.

The incident, said the critical care nurse, left her terrified and shaken. What’s got Malkowski even more upset is that nothing has happened to the dog she insists is a danger to other animals and humans.

While Kendall County Animal Control wouldn’t comment because “the incident is under investigation,” both Malkowski and Shield’s owner, Aurora Police Officer Chris Grandchamp, told me Kendall County does not plan on quarantining the dog because it did not bite a human, nor does it have a history of aggression.

But the column that ran earlier this year about Grandchamp rescuing the dog proves the pit bull has been aggressive in the past, insists Malkowski, whose family has been long-time neighbors of Grandchamp’s parents.

Back in February, the police officer had responded to an aggressive dog call, but when he got to the scene, he said he found a mild-mannered pit bull instead. According to protocol, however, the dog was taken to Aurora Animal Control where, after a vet said it showed some signs of aggression, she was scheduled to be put down.

Through a rescue group, Grandchamp intervened and was able to adopt the dog. And since then, he told me emphatically, Shield has never shown even a hint of aggression, despite being around plenty of adults, children and other animals.

But Malkowsi paints a different picture. She said she was getting out of the shower after work Saturday night, June 15, when she heard “all sorts of commotion” coming from the barn on her property in unincorporated Yorkville. When she got to the barn, she said the dog was clamped on her horse that was backed into a stall.

Malkowski said she used the pitchfork to fend off the dog that “was trying to get around it” to get to her or the pony. After the pit bull ran away, she called 911, and eventually a veterinarian stitched up the deepest of the multiple punctures her horse sustained.

In addition to payment for the vet bill, Malkowski and her family are demanding the dog be put down, not just because it attacked her horse but because her young grandchildren frequently visit, and she fears the dog will get loose again.

“What if that would have been a child instead of a horse it decided to attack?” she said.

Grandchamp vehemently denies Shield is a danger, and says this incident is yet another example of these neighbors creating problems with his family. The rescue group, he added, would “never have released the dog if they thought it would hurt someone.”

OFFICER GRANDCHAMP BLAMES THE VICTIMS

No one saw what happened between the two animals that started the attack, he added. And he’s convinced “any dog would have defended itself” as Shield did “if a pitchfork was used against it.”

Grandchamp says he’s tried to pay the $520 vet bill several times but has not been able to get in touch with the family. And he’s “very relieved” animal control said there were no plans to take control of his pet.

Which is what has the neighbors so frustrated.

“We don’t get straight answers from anyone we talk to,” said Malkowski’s son Ryan, who has spoken to both Kendall County and Aurora animal control. “It’s like they are more concerned about the dog than they are people.

“Thankfully my Mom is fine and the horse will be fine,” he said. “But I cannot accept that this dog with his track record is able to live next door.”

(Beacon News - June 23, 2013)

Group of pit bulls kill family's pets in Santa Fe

NEW MEXICO -- Two pit bulls are being held at Santa Fe Animal Control, another dog is on the loose.

There were two separate deadly farm animal attacks in their neighborhood.

Manolo and Jessica Victor surprised their son with a Welsh pony on his fourth birthday.

The family then bought a goat to keep him company.

The two were kept in one pen.

But all that's left today is a trail of blood.

"I feel horrible," said Jessica Victor. "I'm so sad this morning, such a terrible thing to happen to wake up in the middle of the night to find out it's happened to your animals."

 

Victor can hardly look over at the pen.

But she is relieved when Santa Fe Animal Control drove up to her neighbor's house Saturday morning.

The Victors claim his pit bulls, used as guard dogs, attacked their animals.

They say the dogs first crossed two invisible fences last weekend and killed the goat.

"[The dogs] almost killed the pony last week. The pony's been on pain killers and antibiotics and then they came back early this morning and finished it," she said.

Her husband made the gruesome discovery, then admits to shooting and killing one of the pit bulls.

The say the dogs managed to squeeze under the fenced-in pen.

Animal control impounded two dogs from the home and is searching for another dog.

The dog's owner did not surrender the dogs.

The Victor's questions why the dogs weren't taken after the first attack.

"Animal Control said we needed a court order in order to take the dogs away," said Victor.

Santa Fe Animal Control says an ordinance restricts what they are able to do in these kinds of attacks, but adds that the second attack made the dogs a public safety threat.

With so many of their children running around, the Victors are grateful the dogs are gone.

"If we do that before any children are hurt or attacked then my poor pony and our goat had a reason in their sacrifice," she said.

The dog's owner has already been cited in the first attack and now faces more citations. A judge will decide the dogs' fate.

(KOB.com - May 18, 2013)