Shelter Operator Arrested On Animal Cruelty Charges

[Woogie Man]

This happened yesterday here. Here's the link to the story...Biloxi News - Local and Breaking News in Biloxi | Sun Herald


Here's the story in case the link expires...

Shelter chief arrested
Operator of no-kill refuge gives up all animals
By DONNA MELTON - dmelton@sunherald.com
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HARRISON COUNTY — The director of a South Mississippi no-kill shelter could face misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty for each of the more than 300 animals she vowed to protect.

Harrison County deputies Tuesday arrested Jonean Crowle, 58, of Pass Christian, at the South Mississippi Animal Rescue Team and Refuge at a dirt pit on Wolf River Road. She was charged with several counts, and more are expected, said Sheriff Melvin Brisolara. Crowle was not taking adequate care of the animals in her charge, he said.

“What’s happening to my animals?” Crowle wailed as officers handcuffed her and placed her into the back of a patrol car.
SMARTR
AMANDA McCOY/SUN HERALD Jonean Crowle with the South Mississippi Animal Rescue Team and Refuge is handcuffed and taken into custody by the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department after an investigation into animal cruelty complaints at the refuge.

* Story: SUNHERALD TV: No-Kill Shelter Investigated
* Gallery:Shelter chief arrested
*

Brisolara said authorities found about 225 dogs, 80 cats, some goats and a pony on the property, which is on less than an acre of land Crowle has been using while searching for a larger location. A possum and raccoon were turned over to the Mississippi Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Crowle was released from jail Tuesday night on her own recognizance after she released the animals to the sheriff’s department.

Jode’ Braxton-Hignight, development and PR director of the Humane Society of South Mississippi said HSSM will be taking ownership of the animals. “We’re very proud that she surrendered the animals over to us. From here they can get the treatment they need,” she said.

Braxton-Hignight said the animals today would be brought to the Harrison County Farm, which is operated by the Sheriff’s Department. The animals will be evaluated and some will be placed on treatment plans while others will be transported out of the area by the national organization American Humane Group, she said. “We want to make sure we can put any animal that can be adopted out into a loving home,” she said.

When authorities raided the refuge Tuesday, they found animals crammed into crates, a dog with a broken leg and the pony couldn’t walk because of its overgrown hooves, Brisolara said.

“This is not the way you take care of animals,” he said.

Brisolara said national animal rescue agencies had been called to find homes for a majority of the animals.

Ocean Springs resident John Maas a first responder with American Humane, called Harrison County Animal Control officers, Humane Society of South Mississippi and the SPCA on Friday after going to the site to volunteer and discovering the “appalling” conditions, he said.

“It’s abuse and neglect on a criminal level,” he said. “This isn’t smart and this isn’t rescue. This is warehousing animals.”

Maas claimed the refuge had no running water and no covered shelters, and said he found several animal carcasses in the woods nearby. He said 20 volunteers from a New York university who came to help Crowle move were in tears because of the animals’ plight.

But volunteer Peggy Worth said the animals she saw were fine. “They’re well cared for,” she said. “From what I’ve seen, it’s not as bad as they’re making it out.”

Before her arrest, Crowle watched authorities from behind crime scene tape.

“I’ve been doing this for 25 years and I’ve never had anyone accuse me of animal cruelty,” she said.

Crowle said the refuge has spent the past two weeks moving from one side of the property to another, at the owner’s request. Several dogs were in crates while 12-foot-by-12-foot donated runs and kennels were built, she said.

“We don’t give up on them getting homes,” she said. “We don’t put an expiration date on them.”

[Woogie Man]

HARRISON COUNTY — The director of the South Mississippi Animal Rescue Team and Refuge faces 10 counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals after a raid at her no-kill shelter by Harrison County Animal Control.

An arraignment will be in about a month, said Harrison County prosecutor Herman Cox. Each count can carry jail time of up to 60 days and a $500 fine, he said. Crowle could have faced a charge for each of the animals authorities found Tuesday on the property — 205 dogs, 75 cats, five goats, a pony and a chicken, he said.

Crowle surrendered the animals to the Sheriff’s Department and the Humane Society of South Mississippi in exchange for release from jail on her own recognizance.


Jode’ Braxton-Hignight, development and PR director for HSSM, expected the cats to be moved Wednesday to the Harrison County Farm, which is operated by the Sheriff’s Department. She was not sure when the other animals would be transported.

Braxton-Hignight said Crowle had good intentions, but the mass of animals became too overwhelming.

“She’s been wonderful, working with us. I think we all have the animals’ welfare at heart,” she said.

Representatives from American Humane are on their way to evaluate the animals and the national agency plans to transport the animals to other states for adoption, she said.

Media representatives touring the property Wednesday saw dozens of dogs, tails wagging, standing in mud and feces in small cages. Some cages held up to three dogs and a water dish. Just as many dogs were found in 12-foot-by-12-foot runs.

While there is no running water on the property, three 100-gallon plastic tanks were seen nearby. Crowle’s son, Colt Billingsly, said they filled the tanks each day from water collected with permission from a nearby truck stop.

A thick-coated white pony, in a pen with five goats and a rooster, paced on hooves so long they curved back up behind its feet.

Crowle said the animals were only in the smaller crates while they were reconstructing the runs, which she said were taken down within the last 10 days as they moved from one side of the property to the other. They had been at the previous location for about two years, she said.

She explained the pony’s hooves were twice as long when it was left with them, and they have gradually been cutting them down so it can walk.

Billingsly said they had talked to no-kill shelters in north Mississippi and Louisiana that were willing to take the animals.

“We want to make sure none of them get euthanized,” Crowle said.

[Wylie's Mom]

Aw, Jim . These poor animals. And this poor pony...that is incredibly painful for them and can cause permanent damage further up -- I hope the equine vets can save him...there are probably things that can be done.

It sounds like while this person may have had good intentions, it got way out of hand, and ended up hurting the animals. Very sad. Wish she would've reached out sooner. Hopefully, the animals will all find forever homes, and this person will learn to not do this again. We hear about this a lot here to (in AZ) bc of the warm weather...ie, people want to start a "shelter" - and they don't realize what they're getting into .

[Woogie Man]

Ann, I'm not surprised by your reply, given the reports I posted. There is a back story to all this, though, that'll leave you scratching your head.

The shelter's operator had been doing this for years. She first ran afoul of the law due to what was claimed to be 'zoning infraction' after several years at one location. She has been attempting to get a permanent site for some time now and the location she was arrested at was land she was being allowed to use on a temporary basis (by a private citizen). The owner of the land had asked her to move to another part of the property and that was what she was in the process of when arrested.

It wasn't a pretty picture on scene when she was arrested. Yes, there were animals in small cages and some did have parasitic conditions. They were being treated, however, in consult with a vet. And then there was the pony....

Without being an apologist for her, I will say that any given shelter (or rescue) may have animals in bad shape at any given time. You usually wouldn't see them as they would be in an area out of view or, in the case of a kill shelter, no longer alive. All the dogs and the pony for which she was cited for cruelty were being treated. She was released from jail only after surrendering all the animals. It is obscene to accuse her of causing these conditions.

I don't think she was so much overwhelmed but more so was the victim of obstacles placed in her path in trying to provide for these animals. The arrest came after a "volunteer" took video and turned it in to the sheriff. She really wasn't the 'bad guy' in all this.

So now we're left without a no-kill shelter in our area. I'd like to know how is that better for the animals? It's just a sad case all around.

As an aside, she was hailed as a 'South Mississippi Hero' by our local TV station just this past January. Ironic, isn't it? I've copied the story below.

************************************************** ********

SMARTR saves South Mississippi animals
Posted: Jan 05, 2010 7:29 PM CST Updated: Jan 06, 2010 8:56 AM CST
More on the Web

*
Untitled Document

By Rebecca Powers – bio | email

LYMAN, MS (WLOX) - South Mississippi Animal Rescue Team and Refuge in Lyman is the only local animal shelter with an absolute "no kill" policy. Some of the pets they rescue stay there for years, but get trained and eventually many are adopted out.

The founder and her children run the open air refuge with virtually no financial assistance. So we honor the volunteers of SMARTR as South Mississippi Heroes.

Sitting at his microphone in the 105.9 WHGO studios, long time Coast radio personality "Weerd" Wayne Watkins talks about his favorite charity on the air a lot.

"Consider adopting and animal from this no kill shelter and drop off your bags of dog and cat food right here at the station," Watkins told listeners.

He said the people who run South Mississippi's only "no kill" shelter, SMARTR, are selfless heroes to the animals they save.

"SMARTR is a fabulous no kill organization," Watkins said. "And as much as I am an animal lover, I think every innocent pet should have a chance at life."

Watkins is talking about animals like Chester, who got adopted after four years at the no kill shelter. He has an almost knowing and grateful expression with his new owner. Time was something he needed and got, thanks to them.

Blondie was adopted after three years of training at the animal refuge. And Petey's owner passed away knowing his best friend would not be killed, but rather, cared for.

"Can you imagine hundreds of animals and you're keeping and maintaining, you know, and feeding them and loving them," Watkins said. "And the amazing thing about SMARTR is most of it comes out of their own pockets because of the love for the animals."

It all comes at the personal expense of about $40,000 a year to its founder, Jonean Crowle. She and her sons, Colt and J, spend virtually all of their time and money there. Even J's fiancee, Roxanne, has dedicated her life to the animal refuge, sacrificing a whole lot.

Jonean Crowle said, "Three years in a row, they have postponed their wedding. They've given up every bit of money they could. They selflessly devote everything and they've even put college on hold."

To care for the more than 400 animals, they even sleep in tents at night with no power or water on land generously leant to them by Cotton Fore.

"He's our protector," Crowle said. "He doesn't know that, I don't think, but he is our protector. Thanks to him, we have survived the past two years."

Now they've found a flat piece of land they'd like to buy, where they can build and set up their animal rescue and refuge center for good.

"So that we can put in electric and water, cause we've trucked in water for two years and used little head lights at night to see what we're doing, and a propane lantern in the tent where the kids stay," Jonean Crowle said.

Their goal is a permanent "no kill" shelter. Wayne Watkins said most other states have federally funded ones, but with this community's support, he feels Jonean Crowle could create one here and save countless more innocent lives.

"I would be ecstatic," Watkins said. "It would be a dream come true."

And more happy endings for pets like Chester who need the time to find their forever homes.

Copyright 2010 WLOX. All rights reserved.

[Wylie's Mom]

Oh my gosh, Jim, you're right, the back story does make it even more confusing...and sad . I wish the vet and/or her previous shelter supporters/backers would have spoken up. And, I also wish some orgs would have pulled together to help find a permanent facility for the community and these animals. And just in January, she was a hero??? Yes, definitely ironic ! What a loss for the community to not have a no-kill shelter.

[Woogie Man]

I feel like maybe I should just PM you with a reply since no one else is responding....LOL. Maybe because it's such a local issue but it is a curious story. Anyway, thanks for reading, Ann.

Judging by some comments left on the newspaper's and TV station's web sites, it seems like a lot of folks are upset by this. I don't think anyone had the chance to speak out for her before her arrest. Here's a quick sequence of what happened.

She was in the process of moving the animals to the other side of the property. A person with America Humane came to help them move. On his first (and only) day there, he took some video of the animals in small cages, the pony and such. The next day, the sheriff is there with there with an arrest warrant, lots of back-up and a TV crew. We were all shocked to see her in handcuffs on the 5:00 news. She was let out on her own recognizance only after surrendering all the animals. That's it in a nutshell.

There's some speculation that she was seen as competing for donations from the same people that the Humane Society counts on. I'd hate to think that, but the way this whole thing went down (a suspicious person could say was orchestrated) stinks and there must be some reason. This wasn't someone flying under the radar that just caught the sheriff's notice. This was a fairly well-known person that had just been featured as a hero in the area. The showy arrest and the trumped up charges sure make it seem like someone just wanted her out of the way.

And to think....I was feeling so good about our state just a week ago. Well, back to reality, I suppose.

[QuickSilver]

Is it possible this woman was an animal hoarder?

[Woogie Man]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

Is it possible this woman was an animal hoarder?

No, she was operating a no-kill shelter and was well known in the area. Absolutely not a hoarder. She obviously wasn't as well financed as the local Humane Society, but was doing a remarkable job with limited resources.

[xxmxaxrxyxx]

very sad!

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Woogie Man

I feel like maybe I should just PM you with a reply since no one else is responding....LOL. Maybe because it's such a local issue but it is a curious story. Anyway, thanks for reading, Ann.

Judging by some comments left on the newspaper's and TV station's web sites, it seems like a lot of folks are upset by this. I don't think anyone had the chance to speak out for her before her arrest. Here's a quick sequence of what happened.

She was in the process of moving the animals to the other side of the property. A person with America Humane came to help them move. On his first (and only) day there, he took some video of the animals in small cages, the pony and such. The next day, the sheriff is there with there with an arrest warrant, lots of back-up and a TV crew. We were all shocked to see her in handcuffs on the 5:00 news. She was let out on her own recognizance only after surrendering all the animals. That's it in a nutshell.

There's some speculation that she was seen as competing for donations from the same people that the Humane Society counts on. I'd hate to think that, but the way this whole thing went down (a suspicious person could say was orchestrated) stinks and there must be some reason. This wasn't someone flying under the radar that just caught the sheriff's notice. This was a fairly well-known person that had just been featured as a hero in the area. The showy arrest and the trumped up charges sure make it seem like someone just wanted her out of the way.

And to think....I was feeling so good about our state just a week ago. Well, back to reality, I suppose.

. The step they missed (maybe on purpose?) in there, it seems, is --> Contacting the vet who was helping her in the ongoing care for all of the animals and confirming that the vet was aware of the identified health issues, and that they were all being properly treated. Skipping that step allowed them free reign, pretty much.

Sadly, it does seem a bit "political" somehow, once you hear all of these details. I wonder if she will try to clear her name and clarify what really happened in time? At this point, she has to feel just devastated and kind of helpless though.

[lil fu fu girl]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

. The step they missed (maybe on purpose?) in there, it seems, is --> Contacting the vet who was helping her in the ongoing care for all of the animals and confirming that the vet was aware of the identified health issues, and that they were all being properly treated. Skipping that step allowed them free reign, pretty much.

Sadly, it does seem a bit "political" somehow, once you hear all of these details. I wonder if she will try to clear her name and clarify what really happened in time? At this point, she has to feel just devastated and kind of helpless though.

I too find it interesting that they somehow left the vet who was treating these animals out of the picture. If she was indeed trying to rescue these animals, as they had already been "thrown away" by others, then it seems like the blame should not be placed on her but on the county who let her go without support, I mean obviously these "rescues" came from that county no?

Just a sad situation all around!

[BabyBrizzy]

Is there anything we can do here on YT to help her or the animals??

[Woogie Man]

Originally Posted by BabyBrizzy

Is there anything we can do here on YT to help her or the animals??

That's wonderful of you to ask, but the animals have been surrendered to the sheriff and various groups have stepped in to help place them. It seems like the resources are always there in the cases that make the news. Here's the latest update on the story.

************************************************** *****

More than 200 animals rescued; Volunteers needed
Posted: Mar 19, 2010 9:47 PM CDT Updated: Mar 20, 2010 12:06 AM CDT

By Jessica Bowman –

HARRISON COUNTY, MS (WLOX) - Hundreds of animals are now receiving some much needed care. The Harrison County Sheriff's Department along with the Humane Society of South Mississippi and many other volunteers spent Friday relocating more than 200 dogs to the County Farm.

Those animals were at the South Mississippi Animal Rescue Team and Refuge location off Landon Road. The owner of that facility was arrested earlier this week and is now facing animal cruelty charges.

As each dog stepped out of the moving trailer, they were individually placed in their temporary home.

"There's some animals that are older that had some major skin issues," Tara High said. "There are some animals with broken limbs or that appear to have broken limbs."

Interim Executive Director for the Humane Society of South Mississippi Tara High said they're receiving a lot of volunteer help to deal with all the animals. The Louisiana chapter of the ASPCA brought a veterinarian and a cruelty investigator to inspect each animal before it is brought to the make-shift shelter.

"Once we have all the animals on site we will be coordinating a very precise system managing caring for the animals," High said. "So we'll have feeding regiments, walking, they'll be bathed."

Harrison County Sheriff Melvin Brisolara said the 300 animals will be housed at this location until organizations are identified to relocate the animals.

"We're going to make sure these animals get to a good home," Sheriff Brisolara said.

"We're going to be identifying shelters, and shelters where we get assurance that they're not going to be euthenized when they get there," High said.

The attorney for Jonean Crowle, the previous owner of these animals, said her biggest goal is to make sure every animal lives, therefore she has been cooperating with authorities.

"As part of that, she did turn over custody of these animals and gave them over to the sheriff's office," Sean Tindell said.

Sheriff Brisolara said it is an unfortunate situation.

"We don't have enough resources alone to take care of this number of animals, and there's no way she could expect to do it on her own. And, you know, we just had to step in and give her some help," Sheriff Brisolara said.

High says some of the animals could be moved as early as Monday.

The Humane Society could certainly use some help, if you are interested in helping bathe and take care of the animals at the County Farm you can call (228) 822-3805.

Copyright 2010 WLOX. All rights reserved.
************************************************** ******

Here's the link for the story. More than 200 animals rescued; Volunteers needed - WLOX-TV and WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

The comments below the story are revealing as to how this is being perceived here.

[Cerise]

This is really sad, but sounds simular to some other cases I have read about over the last several years. People (mainly women) opening up a no kill shelter claiming to be saving the animals and giving medical treatment with the help of one vet. When they found those other shelters all the animals were in horrible and filthy conditions as well, and one of them had a horse too. The shelter owners in all cases claimed to be innocent and just trying to rescue animals and also claimed to have found them in poor conditions but didn't consider the conditions they were now in to be bad. I couldn't understand why they kept them in horrible and filthy conditions and I can't understand why this woman would either. Especially if you are trying to save them In one of the other cases it was decided that the woman had an animal hoarding disorder. My concern about people without the disorder is why would a person collect so many animals they can't financially or physically afford to take care of?

[Woogie Man]

If you want to know more about this lady's operation, here's a link to her web site....Untitled Document

If you read the 'history' part, you'll see that she has been in operation for many years but only since the hurricane (Katrina) has she had any difficulties. That's when I first heard of her.

Jonean, the shelter's operator, certainly has been overwhelmed and under-funded since the hurricane, but this wasn't due to some hoarding compulsion. A great many people counted on her at that time but she's since been left high and dry. You really would have to have been here at that time to see the number of abandoned and lost pets. It was staggering. Many groups did come in to help and Jonean and her shelter was one of the primary local groups involved in this.

************************************************** *****

"We're going to be identifying shelters, and shelters where we get assurance that they're not going to be euthenized when they get there," High said.

The above quote is from the executive director of HSSM, our local Humane Society, which euthanizes about 13,000 animals annually.


"We don't have enough resources alone to take care of this number of animals, and there's no way she could expect to do it on her own. And, you know, we just had to step in and give her some help," Sheriff Brisolara said.

The above quote comes from our sheriff after arresting Jonean and charging her with animal cruelty.

This all reminds me of the old saying, "No good deed goes unpunished".