Update on the ASPCA Raid in Wisconsin
Jennifer Petkus, founder of Thyme and Sage Ranch in Cazenovia , Wis. was charged today at Richland County courthouse with 11 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and 5 forfeitures. Misdemeanors included improper shelter and mistreating animals by intent or negligent violation. Ms. Petkus signed a $10,000 signature bond today. Arraignment is set for May 29 at 1:00 P.M.
The ASPCA has been on the scene with its forensics and animal response teams, as well as its Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit, since the raid of the property took place on Tuesday. Approximately 374 animals were discovered during the execution of the search warrant, led by the Richland County Sheriff’s department. The ASPCA is evaluating animals found at the site and collecting evidence for the prosecution of the criminal case, as well as lending the services of its special forensic cruelty investigation team, comprised of disaster animal rescuers and field service investigators.
Update on the ASPCA Raid in Wisconsin
ASPCA on the Scene at Wisconsin Animal Seizure
On Tuesday, May 19, the ASPCA dispatched its forensics and animal response teams, as well as its Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit, to collect evidence in the investigation of the Thyme and Sage Ranch, an animal sanctuary in Cazenovia, WI.
Under the authority and request of the Richland County District Attorney and Dane County Humane Society, the ASPCA is currently evaluating more than 300 animals found at the site and gathering evidence for the prosecution of the criminal case. More than a dozen responders from the ASPCA Disaster Response Team are on the scene, along with the ASPCA Mobile CSI Unit, a specially-designed vehicle outfitted with medical equipment for animal patients. The mobile unit is an important component in the fight against animal cruelty and affords the ability to work on-site, allowing evidence to be processed more accurately and efficiently.
Stay tuned to ASPCA.org for updates on this developing story.
ASPCA on the Scene at Wisconsin Animal Seizure