Submitted by cheynne at: January 28, 2010
that is bad and very sad that those animals had to through that and that in my eyes is not fair to anyone to see or to do that. animal lovers lets help do somehting

Submitted by dianne at: December 29, 2009
this is so sad. i am an animal lover.and i think this is just unbeliveable.

Submitted by aislynn at: December 22, 2009
HEY!!!!!! Animal crulnis needs to stop now.My family rescued 2 dogs.it makes me sad when I see all of theses poor animals hurt,killed,and when the animal is so bad ypu guy have them out of thier pain.This is sad what people do to animals.when I get out of school i am going to get a job at the ASPCA!!!But for now i will stick with volunteering at the dog,and cat shelter these mean people need to go behide bars

Submitted by aislynn at: December 22, 2009
HEY!!!!!! I wish that people would stop being so crul to animals.when I watch your show and I see what people do to them it makes me cry sometimes.I love animals I have 3 dogs and 4 cats they all are loving a nice to be around.ANIMAL CRULNIS NEEDS TO STOP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Submitted by abba at: December 14, 2009
i wish people didn't do this kind of things to poor inisent dogs.how could they do that? i just don't know why there are people in the world like that.it just makes me cry.

Submitted by Karen Teeling at: November 16, 2009
I am the proud adoptive owner of one of the dogs/puppies that came out of this disaster. Hairy is a very happy, rambuntious, and very much loved schnauzer/yorkie mix. I was (he is) so lucky to have come out of Sage and Thyme with minimal damage (mange). He's, as his name suggests, Hairy to beat the band. When I first saw him I thought someone made a mistake and glued two different dogs together. The front (head) half had hair and the back (rump end) had absolutely none. I adopted him from OAHS (Oshkosh Area Humane Society) in mid-June 2009. Hairy's been to the "spa" twice and loves it. If I could I'd attach a photo of him NOW. But you'll have to take my word . . . he's a very very happy boy! and I'm a very very happy mamma!

Submitted by candy at: September 4, 2009
My original comment was deleted because I told of a place that is in grandmarsh WI that is doing the same thing as this lady did. The other place is still up and running and the animals continue to suffer and die. I will continue my drive to stop this place because no animal should be subject to this cruilty...........

Submitted by Jules at: August 23, 2009
ASPCA members my nickname is Jules and I just wanted to tell you guys,that sum day your work will pay off. I have to go to Church now but I'll blog later. Thanks, Jules

Submitted by Sam at: July 31, 2009
If I ever met Jennifer, I would stick up my middle finger and straight up tell that low-life, spineless, disgusting piece of garbage that she deserves no respect, but a lifetime in jail. Have fun Jennifer!

Submitted by Melinda at: July 18, 2009
Just reading all of these articles and post for teh first time since my sister bought a puppy from this person adn she dies with in 3 weeks in my house over a matter of a few hours. If you can watch three children and 3 grown adults cry and feeling so bad then you have no heart and that is what Jennifer did. She deserves to get the full punishment on all 10 charges. My sister and about 10 people wrote and called to every person that they could find to listen to them and I think that is how this all came about. I applaude all those that have helped to bring Jennifer down.

Submitted by jules at: July 17, 2009
At night I sit in bed and think of all the crulte that goes on every 10 minutes.

Submitted by Karol at: July 4, 2009
She is truly evil. She had quite the money machine going there. I hope every possible unpleasantness befalls her again and again. Any respectable rescue does not take in more animals than they can aford to PROPERLY take care. This means food, suppliments,veting and providing a clean environment.If a sick animal or two are introduced into such a rescue environment, the populus will not be adversely affected, because they have been taken properly taken care of.

Submitted by bELLA at: June 27, 2009
i JUST HEARD ABOUT THE CRAZY LADY WHO INTENTIONALY BURNED TWO ANIMALS IN AN OVEN. I WAS COMPLETELY IN TEARS WHEN I HEARD THAT! HOW CAN SOMEONE DO THAT! I LOOKED AT MY KITTEN AND SOON REMEMBERED HOW MUCH I MOST DEARLY LOVE HER. PLEASE HELP PUT AN END TO ANIMAL CRUELTY.

Submitted by Jules at: June 27, 2009
I am crying right now, because of Jennifer Petkus and other bad people. I was online a week ago and I read the story about a kitten and a woman named Cheyenne Cherry because of you Cheyenne we lost a life of a sweet kitten, she put a kitten in an oven and burned, a the two year-old baby kitten to bits. Cheyenne also did another crazy, sad and teribale crime, she took a puppy in an other oven too a couple of weeks after. Dear God, Please help all the bad people become a kind, not abousing and loving person. Amen P.S. Everyone at least donate to the ASPCA. Thank You so much!

Submitted by Jules at: June 27, 2009
Oh my, I would never do such a thing so why would someone else do such a nasty, terribale thing too?

Submitted by Kim F at: June 15, 2009
All you have to do is look at the pictures of these animals. Jennifer did not take care of them. Sure we always need to get the facts before we judge but she did this as a business. She was not a rescue. I have watched her site for years and always knew she was more than rescue. She looked like a puppy mill herself and I called her out on it many times. She sold these puppies for profit. She didn't rescue. She had way too many puppies all of the time. She used Petfinder as a way to do business. She lied and betrayed everyone. I am so glad someone finally listened and saw what she truly is.

Submitted by MaryAnn at: June 11, 2009
To "Submitted by Jackie at: May 21, 2009" I volunteer at a shelter that received 14 of these dogs. This is hardly "bogus" as you put it. These animals are in miserable shape and it will cost plenty to help them. If this woman would have taken care of the problems when they first appeared, these poor creatures wouldn't be going though what they are now. I hope they prosecute her to the max.

Submitted by Have seen the worst I ever hope to see at: June 8, 2009
I work in the veterinary community. I have seen some of these animals. 4 of them had to have their eyes removed because of simple eye infections that went un-treated and the cornea ruptured, with the insides of the eye coming out. They all had almost no hair, what was left of the hair was so matted that it had to be shaved off. One was pregnant, about to give birth and terrified of people. All of the puppies were dead, some deformed in the womb. None of these dogs knew what it was like to walk on a leash or be outside. They would stand there and shake. They didn't want to be touched. They were all anemic due to various parasites, etc. One that came in was close to death but fortunately it was able to be saved. Whatever people saw in the past, clean kennel or not, these dogs were emaciated like they had hardly ever eaten, and they were STARVING! They wanted to eat but it was obvious they were not able to get enough food where they came from. They were all dehydrated like they could not get enough water wherever they came from. They smelled so bad that you could smell them from outside a sound-proofed exam room and it made you want to vomit. I wish this woman would own up to what she did. Just a month before she was arrested I saw at least 5 puppies from her facility from different families that were all dying from the same disease. She said our vets were lying when the clients called her for help which confused them. She told these people our tests were wrong and we were just trying to get her money. MOST of those people treated their dogs anyway, which then were able to survive. Most of them questioned us and didn't fully beleive her diagnosis because of what she said. She paid for nothing. Those owners got no reimbursement whether the puppy lived or died as far as I know. Some of those puppies got put to sleep because they were too sick just days after adoption to save. This was BEFORE her arrest. Whoever feels sorry for this person should think again. Whoever saw clean, nice facilities, saw only the parts that Jennifer was willing to show. My experience with her tells me that she has lied to people to avoid being responsible for the sick animals she was selling. This is why people had to go undercover to see what is really happening there. Thank god they did.

Submitted by Louise at: June 5, 2009
If there were tougher laws in our country for animal abusers I think we would see alot less abuse. Until this battle is won, I will continue "preaching" as my friends and family call it, to everyone I know who even thinks about obtaining an animal companion. As for Ms.Pektus, I wish she would suffer what she put those animals through. Not just her, but each and every single animal abuser on the planet should get just a taste of what they have done. They would not last a week living like that! I'm with Glenna(posting May 21). My want in life is to rescue all the dogs. Can't on my own but thanks to good people, we can make a difference! The first step that doesn't even cost is simply to educate family,friends,neighbors,co-workers,anyone, on animal rescue/adoption. And if need be, refer them to organizations like ASPCA to spell it out for them. Unfortunately, I have noticed an ever growing number of "rescue" people who are selling dogs and other animals without care or concern. Education is the key!

Submitted by Joann Smith at: June 5, 2009
I hope the people who were doing this were prosecuted to the MAX! I agree with above comments that these sadistic animal abusers should have to endure the same treatment they inflict on animals.

Submitted by Animal Love at: June 5, 2009
Regardless if this woman had a somewhat decent facility prior to this bust, she still needs to take responsibility. To the people who adopted dogs from her, that's great you rescued them, however if this woman was able to let things slide within ONE YEAR! There had to have been a serious breakdown on her end and why was she not able to obtain help befor eit got way outta hand/ She still is responsible no matter what. Hope thsi was not a case of hoarding. Now the Amish people running puppy mills need to be targeted and fast. Those evil people breeding dogs as livestock need to be placed into jail.

Submitted by cheryl gorham at: June 5, 2009
THIS REALLY HURTS MY HEART TO SEE ALL THESE ANIMALS THAT HAVE BEEN ABUSED. THEY OWNERS ALL NEED TO BE LOCKED UP AND THE KEEY FLUSHED DOWN THE TILET HANG BIG CHAINS AROUND THEIR NECKS AND SEE HOW THEY LIKE IT, DON'T FEED THEM AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS TO THEM , THEY NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO THESE SWEET ANIMALS, I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO LOOK AT THESE POOOR ANIMALS WITH OUT CRYING, THE JUDGE NEEDS TO GIVE A HARSHER SENTENCE 3 YEARS ISN'T ENOUGH TIME, THE NEED STRICTER PENALTYS THEN MAYBE THIS WOULD STOP ,THEY NEED TO BE THE EXAMPLE THAT YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ANIMALS, IF IT WERE A PERSON THEY WOULD GET A STIFF SENTENCE SO WHY NOT DO THEY SAME FOR THEY ANIMALS? THEY TRULY DISGUST ME WITH WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH, SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TREAT THESE PEOPLE THEY SAME WAY THEY TREAT THEY ANIMALS!!!!.

Submitted by Marlana (Big Spring, TX) at: June 5, 2009
ASPCA members, ya'll are doin a wonderful job!! Keep up the good work!! It will pay off! You're are helping do God's work* God Bless You ALL!!!

Submitted by Linda Miller at: June 5, 2009
I have been an animal lover all my life. I have to be careful when I watch Animal Planet because of my emotions. I love animals more than I like most people. I do not understand how people can do this to animals. I have a cat now, who is spoiled beyond belief, but I am disabled now and would have trouble walking a dog. I was raised on a farm and had 24 dogs, all were my babies, and not once were any of them abused. I don't understand why the laws are so LENIANT when it comes to animals. They are living, breathing, emotional beings just like those who abuse them. I wish the tables could be turned to let them know personally what they are doing to Gods other creatures. I also feel the punishment should be harsher, to make them feel what it is like to be put in the exact same situation that they put these creatures. We are far too easy on these people. People? No they cannot be human to cause such pain. Were all these abusers abused as children? Is money for these cruel acts worth it? I am sure these people would not be doing this if they were put in the same situation. The punishment should be the same treatment and abuse they do to these creatures. They have no rights once they choose to hurt other living things. It's true for people, why not animals? Are they not living creatures also. I am doing my very best not to type my true feelings about this, but I better not see this happen in front of me because I am not responsible, literally, for what my actions would be.

Submitted by Ursula at: June 4, 2009
In July last year the Ranch was is very good condition. Did anybody ask if the dogs in poor condition had just been rescued?? For instance, from an Amish puppy mill in the neighborhood? We should go after the irresponsible breeders not the rescuers. Help the woman, do not condemn her. Where were the vets when she needed them? Probably would not have worked without fees.

Submitted by SD at: June 3, 2009
THIS IS DISGUSTING!!! LOCK HER UP AND THROW AWAY THE KEY!! There is no excuse for this!!! Those poor helpless animals, it breaks my heart. People like her make me sick! my thoughts are with all the poor little animals that had to experience all this pain and suffering in the hands of that monster!

Submitted by Annemarie at: June 3, 2009
The above story posted by Karen above is exactly the way it was when my Mom and I went to the ranch to adopt a dog for my Mom. It was super clean, new kennels. Jennifer had purchased a house that they were remodeling to be used as an adoption center. The dogs we saw in the kennels had water, food, and fresh bedding. The dog we adopted was matted and had her share of issues, but we expected that, because it had been rescued from an Amish puppy mill. Willow still has fear when she sees men in dark clothing and hats. But otherwise has come a very long way and is a delightful little dog. Things must have gone terribly wrong for Jennifer and it is terrible and deeply disturbing that so many animals ended up neglected. As Karen said above,we need stay on top of the caregivers, so we don't have situations that start out good and end up being so terribly bad.

Submitted by Merl at: June 3, 2009
To be lenient on this woman is to excuse and enable this type of horrible cruelty. The dogs eyes tell the story. Animals do not lie about being in dire straits. Even if this woman was poor; she could have at least given them water every day. If she is arthritic, osteoporotic, pre Alzheimers; and therefore infirm due to advanced age; she could have called the local Humane Society; told them she had become infirm; and asked Humane to take these animals. Instead, she let them suffer horribly. There is no excuse for what she did. None. If she does not have the judgement to do the right thing, she should be banned from keeping animals for life due to mental incompetency. The Humane society should keep a list of names of abusers like her and not allow them to have pets. If they are discovered with a pet, they should be fined and jailed. Instead, she will get a slap on the hand. In a year or so, Humane will have no record of it; and she will do the same again. The sad truth is that it happens this way most of the time. Everyone complains about it; the abuser is slightly disciplined; and left to go on to do it again.

Submitted by mandy at: June 2, 2009
This "sanctuary's" attractive website has snared kind- hearted folks to support an exploiting monster. Thank you for exposing the horrendous conditions. There is no punishment severe enough for these abusers.

Submitted by Connie at: June 2, 2009
I think they should be treated exactly how they treated the animals. No food, water, etc. I believe people like this should be prosecuted as bad as people who abuse children or other people. To some of us animals are just as important as their human counterparts.

Submitted by Karen at: June 2, 2009
I adopted a black and tan puppy from Jennifer a year ago...he turned into the most beautiful coonhound I have ever seen. When I was there, the animals were being cared for by several people and by foster moms. Jennifer was keeping records on each pup and taking it's picture with it's new family to keep with that record. Something must have gone terribly wrong in the past year for things to get this out of control on her. While I don't condone the situation and the conditions that the Unit found, before anyone starts throwing stones at this woman, let's find out HOW it got so bad. I think it's a case of someone trying to help more animals than they could realistically handle and it became a case of 'a good thing gone bad'. I love animals very much...I've had them all my life...I currently have 4 dogs and 2 cats of my own...I don't want to see ANY ANIMAL hurt, neglected, mistreated or abused---ever...but before we just sit back and write a condemnation of this woman, let's find out just what happened and find a way to help people that mean well but bite off more than they can chew. God bless the animals and help their caregivers to do the right thing.

Submitted by Jane Patzke at: June 2, 2009
It breaks my heart to see the conditions these animals had to live in and I can't tell you how much I support and appreciate the ASPCA for their efforts in stopping animal cruelty and abuse. I encourage everyone in Wisconsin to contact their state representatives asking them to support legislation which was recently introduced which would provide standards of care and state inspections for dog breeders in the State of Wisconsin (LRB 2448/2). This woman would not have been able to purchase these animals from puppy mills if this type of cruel/abusive breeding is stopped. Thank you, again, to the ASPCA for their efforts and I will continue to support you in any way I can.

Submitted by Merl734 at: June 2, 2009
While we need a federal law and mandate to protect animals. Sadly, JP will get a slap on the wrist, a small $500 fine; community service; and will soon do it again. She is a sick person who should never be allowed to own animals again. When we will learn that without federal laws, huge fines, and jail time that many animals are not safe?

Submitted by Merl734 at: June 2, 2009
A federal law that requires negligent and intentionally abusive owners or caretakers of domestic pet animals to immediately release their captives to humane authorities upon discovery needs to be enacted throughout the US. Without these laws there is virtually no hope for animals to have humane care and humane lives. These horribly abused animals should never be returned to Sage and Thyme. They should be adopted out to caring and responsible individuals; or be humanely put down. These pictures and the dilemma of these precious creatures break any animal friend's heart.

Submitted by Angel at: June 2, 2009
My heart is breaking for these animals.

Submitted by Laura K at: June 2, 2009
I hope you are reading all of these post Jennifer Petkus! You are a disgrace to the animal community. SIGN OVER YOUR ANIMALS TO THE PROPER AUTHORITIES! YOU DON'T DESERVE THEM, NOT EVEN A RAT IS WORTHY OF YOUR CARE(if that is what you call it, care, more like torture).

Submitted by Berta at: June 2, 2009
i feel bad i hope god is with them

Submitted by Gino at: June 2, 2009
What can we do to help stop these people before animals suffer? I written to all legislators in my state..Pennsylvania. What else can we do? Please post on your website.

Submitted by Carrie at: June 2, 2009
People like this should have to experience the abuse and neglect that they inflict on helpless animals. Our legal system is too soft on people who cause pain and suffering on helpless animals and it needs to change--soon!

Submitted by Suzanne Wolf at: June 1, 2009
This is just horrible and yet it keeps happening over and over! People need to recognize animal and child abuse so that the perpetrators can be put in jail for a very long time. I am so saddened to hear stuff like this, it breaks my heart and keeps me awake at night. Lets hope she gets a huge fine that goes toward the care of these poor animals and many years in jail.

Submitted by Sunnee at: June 1, 2009
Every town and City has the same type of people like that. Mental cases. They need to be stopped much sooner.It needs to be reported and reported to authorities. Get the names of whoever it is reported to. Talk to the supervisor and act like it's going to congress next if it's not acted upon. They all fear the next step. Friends and family can help. Meanwhile the laws have to be changed to animals not being property but beings with emotional and medical needs. Breed specific needs. A Newfoundland will fare different in cold climates than a small breed. A Chihuahua will have less grooming needs than a Cocker or Shih Tzu. Any violations raked up on those issues alone should result in loosing a kennel license. In Germany it's illegal to keep a dog in a kennel no matter the size without walking it twice a day. That law alone would put these type of people out of business right there.Everybody needs to besiege their lawmakers with enforceable ideas on how to change these horrible conditions for those animals. It's beyond me why this can happen in a country like ours with so many animal lovers.

Submitted by Debbie-Ramona, CA at: June 1, 2009
I have 4 dogs & 3 cats I am currently fostering out of a hoarding situation of over 200 plus dogs & cats in Mojave, CA-my foster dogs & cats will be given a chance at a new life thanks to rescue efforts-the 2 women charged will receive sentencing on June 17th, will it be harsh enough, I hope so but doubt it. I have fostered dogs & cats for 30 years and this cycle just continues-until people & our legal system places the CORRECT value on all life, ALL LIFE, not just human-it will never get better-they call it HUMANE living for a reason.

Submitted by MJ at: June 1, 2009
How can it be that these crimes are only misdemeanors--the same as a parking violation? The owner is out on a $10,000 signature bond?. While I'd really like to see her locked up in an 8x8 cell with fleas, mange, and 10 other inmates, and fed and watered and when & if someone gets around to it, she really needs psychiatric help, jail time, and no contact with ANY animal as part of her sentencing. WE need to lobby our legislators to regulate animal care and create stiffer penalties for animal neglect and abuse.

Submitted by Deb at: June 1, 2009
A society can best be judged how it treats it's animals. Well intentioned as the ideals of the sanctuary owners might have been, this clearly got way out of hand. It breaks my heart to see how neglected and poorly attended these animals to people that were supposed to be their advocates. I don't understand how something like this could happen.... There must be laws and monitoring techniques to oversee numbers of animals,safety and health issues etc.? If there is no oversight then is there any kind of legislature in the works. I am greatful that the animals have been rescued and I hope that the perpetrators will be given the fullest penalties of the law.

Submitted by Debby at: June 1, 2009
You know, as I read the above comments, it becomes clear that most of you folks belive that the problem here is a woman who has trouble feeling empathy for animals. It also becomes clear to me that many of you have a little trouble feeling empathy for other humans. Like my mom used to say....Two wrongs don't make a right. And to those who think the solution is more laws...I would suggest enforcing the laws that already exist first. Most of these cases are well intended people where situations got completely out of control. This woman needs help, not hatred.

Submitted by Renee Sterwalt at: June 1, 2009
I too am sickened at what I learned about this so called sanctuary. IF THERE ARE ANY ROTTWEILERS, PLEASE ALLOW ME TO PROVIDE A LOVING HOME AND MEDICAL CARE TO ONE OF THE FORGOTTEN IN THE BARN!!!!!

Submitted by J. Bunting at: June 1, 2009
I called that ranch about 6 months ago about,she had boston terriers there,I didn't get the chance to get over there to get one,now I wish I had,I am a dog lover,and this makes me sick,I feel for all the animals there.I just adopted a female Boston terrier from the Dubuque,Iowa Humaine Society one week ago,now I have 3 Bostons,that woman should go to jail and be treated the same way those animals were.

Submitted by Anonymous at: June 1, 2009
it is about time curel people pay-----------------------------------------

Submitted by JoJo at: June 1, 2009
God made a special place in Hell for animal and child abusers. Take heed.

Submitted by Tracy Colvin at: June 1, 2009
i agree with Stella K!!! Lady, I live in Alabama, and I swear, if I were anywhere near Wisconsin, I would destroy you verbally!!! You deserve to live in a cage, and swelter, and freeze, and starve and live in pain!! Then maybe, you would die a long, painful death!! i hope that you are prosecuted to the fullest extent and live in prison until the day you ROT!!

Submitted by Carl Calderone at: June 1, 2009
Thank you to the people that have rescued these poor innocent dogs......Please tell me the people that were responsible for these crimes will be put in filthy cages and given nothing but putrid organic matter to eat forever

Submitted by APPAULED! at: June 1, 2009
Those pictures don't even show the half of it. The adult dogs kept in her barn with frozen water and their food bowls were dumped over mixed in with the dog's feces and hay. Their cages were filled with too many dogs and they were climbing on eachother getting injured. One dog had an infection in her eye that Petkus refused to get help for and the dogs she was housed with kept stepping on her and causing more irritation. Petkus refused to adopt her over at a discounted rate because of her injuries. She said, "oh she is fine...it will heal up." The barn was freezing, no heating source and the dogs were shivering. But yet, Petkus could afford brand new ss appliances in her kitchen. The puppies were kept in baby play pens, covered in feces. The attic, where she kept them, reeked of feces and urine. DISGUSTING! Finally someone took charge and cited that sorry excuse for a human being.

Submitted by NC-IL at: June 1, 2009
I visited her dumpy ranch over the winter months to adopt a rescued puppy mill dog. When I got there, I found out very quickly that she was a puppy propetier, who would purchase puppies from Amish auctions and turn around and sell them for a higher profit. What a phony! For someone to call themselves a rescue and mislead people like that is just terrible. If the ASPCA needs someone to testify to the horrendous conditions of that dump and the neglect those dogs encountered, feel free to contact me. I would love nothing more than to make her life misrable like she did for those dogs.

Submitted by Anita Frank at: May 31, 2009
This is just disgusting and totally heartbeaking. This evil woman should be put in a cage and set on fire. Thankfully there are groups like ASPCA out there and like minded individuals who are out there for the animals. Good work. I hope the law comes down on her extremely hard!!!!

Submitted by Jamie at: May 31, 2009
Even if this person DID start out with the best of intentions,what were they thinking each time they looked at these sick & injured animals?? Did it even once go through her mind they needed help & so does she??? Even if she didnt have the money,she could have contacted a # or organizatins for help.If she goed to jail,they shouldnt let her wash her hair the whole time or cut it so it mats all together & SHE knows what it feels like.

Submitted by Sally at: May 31, 2009
what on earth are people thinking?? must be NOTHING,how can anyone mistreat a animal who cannot defend themselves from humans like this..animals like children are innocent and cannot care for themselves when they are young let alone when they grow up, and you have IDIOTS in this world that take pride in doing stuff like this.they need to be put in this position and see how they like it.

Submitted by SeahorseStables at: May 31, 2009
She is probably a hoarder under the guise of an animal sanctuary and got overwhelmed. It is a sad situation that is played out across our nation daily. People start with the best intentions but not the finances to sustain the high cost of rehabilitation and rescue.

Submitted by Lori Payton at: May 31, 2009
I am deeply sadened by this horrific find. This woman SHOULD be behind bars. There must be stricter laws for anyone who wishes to open a business like this, with regular visits to make sure the animals are being well taken care of. Please, do not ever let things like this happen again.. EVER !!

Submitted by Barbara Geagan at: May 31, 2009
I cannot believe this is going on and people are getting off so lightly for such abuse. We need better laws to become better people!

Submitted by SusanL at: May 31, 2009
Of course we are all outraged by what we are seeing here. It is sickening beyond words. If we were not caring people we would not be reading this blog in the first place. So, ranting and raving, while it feels good, does little to help our four-legged friends. What would be better is for us all to write our state representatives and relate this story to them; tell them we need stricter laws to help the ASPCA to put a stop to this once and for all. It is likely that Sage and Thyme will get a slap on the wrist and open up under another name later on, because the laws are not there YET to put them permanently out of business. Vent by all means, then call, email and write your law-makers to affect real change. Be a voice for our friends who rely on us for one.

Submitted by Shirley at: May 31, 2009
It just is amazes me how these people can live with themselves on what they do to these helpless animals. There just is not enough harsh punishment on the charges to get them to stop it. Having to pay fines etc and no prison time is not good enough to scare them into not keeping on doing it. I myself have adopted a Golden Breeder dog that was used just for that for 8 LONG YEARS. She will never really enjoy being a real happy dog. She doesn't know how no matter how hard we try she goes into her shell from time to time. But we just love her so much and that is what haveing an animal is all about you give and they give back. I could keep going on and on. We need to get rid of these puppy mills. There are good breeders out there you have to really check them out see who the Mom and Pop are and the enviorment in which they are living.

Submitted by Cathy at: May 31, 2009
sb72 is totally right! It was supposed to be an animal sanctuary but look at what they've done! This is probably the most horrible,revolting,cruel,and sickening I've ever seen in my entire life. Treat them like your own!

Submitted by Lana at: May 31, 2009
I can't even see where the 7th dog's face is! Poor things. This is one reason why animal cruelty is the most revolting and horrible thing in the world. I thought animals were our friend, but seeing these people do these things is just the most terrible thing in the world. If pet owners are going to do this then they shouldnt even own a dog! If you own a dog,cat,rodents,a farm, anything! TREAT THEM LIKE THEIR YOUR CHILD! CAUSE THEY ARE!

Submitted by sb72 at: May 31, 2009
Wasn't this place supposed to be an animal sanctuary? I think the laws do need to be stricter for all pet owners. It sickens me to think that someone with the ability and resources to help animals put them in the same cruel and horrible conditions that they were most likely rescued from in the first place. It's bad enough that people abuse their pets and that many breeders have puppy mills, but when we start seeing it in animal sanctuaries we have to ask why is nothing in place to stop this kind of thing before it even starts?

Submitted by Angilina at: May 31, 2009
help the dogs

Submitted by Glopez at: May 30, 2009
I can not believe any one would do this to these helpless animals. I think the court system should get more stricked on people who do crule things to our fur friends. All of gods animals as well as his people have the right to live a good life.Please open your hearts and lets do more to stop this horrible things from happening to all of these helpless animals.

Submitted by j. anderson at: May 30, 2009
i can't believe those poor dogs were in those conditions!!! i can't believe that woman thought it was okay to treat those animals like that. it just disgusts me that there were 400 dogs rescued that were mistreated. she should be locked up forever like michael vick.

Submitted by Tracy at: May 30, 2009
Clearly the laws are still not in place to deal with situations such as this and also to act as a preventative against people thinking that they can do this. It's just too easy for these idiots to get away with it. Inexcusable, however it's clear that these people must have significant mental issues. Education, tougher laws, making sure you raise your kids to really know right from wrong and having the capacity to really care about animal welfare - these are all things we MUST do. Congratulations to the ASPCA for the tireless work on the animals' behalf, and to organizations around the country like BADRAP who are so committed and deserve so much more from the rest of us in terms of support. We all need to do better in raising awareness and in giving our support.

Submitted by Stella K. at: May 30, 2009
Listen to me Lady.... If you ever get wind of what I have to say to you, I bet you would be so tired of listening to me, you would rather not be in this world. WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM? YOU NEED PLENTY OF MENTAL HELP. YOU THINK THAT YOU DID SOMETHING GOOD? HAVE A MIND, OH WAIT A MINUTE, YOU LOST YOURS A LONG TIME AGO. ONLY A SICK PIECE OF GARBAGE WOULD TAKE THAT MANY ANIMALS ON AT ONE TIME. We really need to Live for "AN EYE FOR AN EYE." This way, you will be deprived on having any type of life. I PERSONALLY WOULD PUT YOU IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT, LET YOUR SICK MIND THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE DONE EVERY DAY UNTIL THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. You won't need any food, water, sunlight or clothing. Your skin needs to be all infected, and your eyes need to be covered with cataracts. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE NOBODY! UNDERSTAND & spread the word to your sick friends that Animals are a responsibility, a big responsibility. I have a very rough skin myself now. I DON'T CARE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU. DON'T EVER SMILE OR LAUGH AGAIN. YOU DON'T DESERVE TO BE ON THIS EARTH! Now, Pay for damage control. You need to pay for everything that you did that would cost other people to pay for your stupidness. COME OUT YOU SISSY COWARD AND FACE THE REAL WORLD. Even though I hope that you understand the magnitude of what pain you caused. I WILL NEVER FORGIVE OR FORGET WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO INNOCENT ANIMALS, YOU POOR EXCUSE OF A LOWLIFE. Honestly, DEATH IS TOO GOOD FOR YOU, IT WOULD BE THE EASY WAY OUT.......

Submitted by Jessica at: May 30, 2009
I cannot believe that there are people out there in this world that can hurt innocent beings, all because they think animals don't have feelings. People just think animals are animals. Animals live and breathe just like we do. Stop taking out your frustrations and problems on animals. Animals are loyal and are out there to give us more love than any other person in this world can ever give. This woman deserves major punishment! No fine, no jail, no harsh punishment can ever make up for what she did to these animals. These woman deserves to be treated the same way as these animals were treated, see how she likes it! Put her in a cage, don't let her take a bath, don't give her water or food, let her rot in her cage! This should be her punishment! Until the law is changed and there are stricter rules about people owning animals things will not change. Not everyone is meant to have animals. Animals are for life!!! If you don't care for them, don't get one! And stop all the breeding out there! There are enough animals in our shelters out there, too many to count, adopt them and give them a chance for a family and a better life. Spay and neuter them too. They are not breeding machines! Don't forget, what goes around, comes around. It does not only have to do with people!

Submitted by Nancy at: May 30, 2009
It is not enough that millions of caring American citizens, pray for these animals (your prayers may be to late for many of them), donations do help, but in the end, it helps us to feel better about ourselves, yes, the abused animals are sheltered, fed, and cared for, but then they are physically patched up, and reintroduced for readoption. What about their emotional state of mind? Many adult dogs in various stages of life, that are kept in these situations, such as puppy mills, or so called sanctuary's eventually end up losing their minds, being confined with no help from anyone. They are deprived of food, water, vet care, grooming, human touch and care, and left to die alone. Non of us would want this for ourselves or a family member, so why allow these people to continue to get away with these dispicable acts. Look, it is extremely crucial, that we get the president of the United States involved along with the United States Senate. These are elected officials chosen by the people, that's us, they must listen to our voices on behalf of these innocent animals, that cannot help themselves. Our votes are crucial to the politicians, so tell them that you will no longer accept this abuse toward these animals, they must take action immediately to change the laws, by making the laws so harsh that the abuser will think twice before he/she commits abuse again. No slaps on the wrist or allowing them to commit the crimes over and over again. This severe problem of animal abuse in America is no less important that any other problem that faces the Presidents desk, or the Senate's agenda. This problem can be stopped, but it takes the imvolvement of "everyone", not just some. The ASPCA can only do so much for these innocent animals, and it is a definate, that stricter laws must be introduced by our legislators immediately, laws that would make men fearful of even thinking of commiting such atrocity. This abuse against animals, speaks "VOLUMNS" about its American citizens, those that commit them and the continual "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" silence from those that allow this crime to continue with no changes in sight. People, stop expecting the ASPCA and other agencies to be the only ones to deal with this problem, stop acting horrified and then put the paper down and forget that it ever happened, don't turn a blind eye to this, don't just leave comments about how much it shocks you when you see this in the news, take the initiative to literally do something in your city to help to stop it. Talk with your children, make sure they are "not involved" in abusive actions, teach them how to love and show kindness toward animals and other human beings, and last send a letter to President Obama, letting him know that you want something done to stop this "sickness that permeates our American society. Speak up for these and all animals, they don't deserve this. Abusing animals is inexcusable. It is total oppression and cruelty, against the innocent. Don't allow this to continue any longer, take a stand once and for all, to speak up and have your voices heard from across America to the desk in the oval office, for President Obama, to view, and act upon. He is the one that wanted CHANGE.

Submitted by VPN at: May 30, 2009
Regarding my original comment, I meant to say that there are THOUSANDS of other individuals concerned about the welfare of animals... I beg ASPCA, as a reputable and leader of animal welfare issues, to galvinize and collaborate with other animal reputable organizations, and take the initiative and lobby to have lawmakers initiate and enforce laws that heavily penalize these criminal and inhumane acts. Enough is enough....

Submitted by Tiffany at: May 30, 2009
Sickening!!! Just horrible! This woman obviously has serious mental issues. What a shame that nobody noticed to report it sooner.I certainly hope these animals are given some sort of justice by the Court(s)for their suffering. UGH!!!

Submitted by jenn at: May 30, 2009
wow this is really sad. i dont understand how people can do things like this to innocent animals. thank you for resucing them!

Submitted by VPN at: May 30, 2009
I applaud ASPCA efforts in handling this case, and many many others involving animal cruelty and neglect. Like myself, there are hundreds of other individuals concerned about the welfare of animals, but the laws in our society are not strict enough to handle abuse and neglect cases. I would hope ASPCA combines its efforts with other reputable animal organizations to encourage our lawmakers to develop and enforce stricter laws nationwide that involve much higher fines and jail time, and start treating animal cases as if they were human equivalent. Let the USA be the guiding light and inspiration for other countries to act the same. Thank you.

Submitted by Nichole at: May 30, 2009
I am wandering what the court system ended up doing after this suspect went to court yesturday in Wisconsin. It is odvious that this act was very cruel. I adopted a dog from the shelter 5 yrs. ago and love my dog very much!!!

Submitted by Liz B at: May 30, 2009
"Compassion for animals is intimately connected with goodness of character and it may be confidently asserted that he who is cruel to animals cannot be a good person." - Arthur Schopenhauer, German Philosopher To take in animals under such false pretenses is beyond despicable. Our laws are not strong enough to punish her to the degree to which is appropriate. How can she live with herself? We should obtain her address and let her know exactly how horribly we view her and her actions.

Submitted by Karen Dalke at: May 30, 2009
I try to advocate for the safety of animals in my community and applaud the ASPCA efforts in this case. I am wondering if anyone can help in something that has come to my attention..."Catch A Pig" at the local Outagamie County Fair. I have contacted the fair office to request they eliminate this from their program. Any suggestions of how I can involve the ASPCA?

Submitted by Sarah R. at: May 30, 2009
I think there needs to be stricter laws against animal cruelty cases and this should be taken more seriously these are lives of living creatures, same as humans. There is no excuse for the neglect and abuse of these animals. Its takes a sick human being to abuse an innocent animal who relies so much on us for everyday essentials. This person will more than likely get a few years in jail and be free to live the rest of their lives as they please and these animals will live with probably the scares of neglect forever. We can only hope for the best.

Submitted by jana at: May 30, 2009
I think she should get the same treatment as she did to these animals.Lock her in a cage and mistreat her. Hopefully a judge will sign these animalsm over to someone that will help them heal.

Submitted by Carol K. in Olathe, KS at: May 30, 2009
I would love to see a mandated order come down from the Federal Court that ALL animals be spayed/neutered. If folks choose to engage in breeding their animals, they should be mandated to a limit of breeding females and restricted to a certain number of pups. Once at their limits, they should be restricted from additional breeding until they get below their limits. If they choose to continue over their limits, they should be fined until they are below their restricted limits. The fines collected should go to their local humane societies. This would hit them in the wallet and would benefit the local humane societies. In addition, the breeders should be mandated to spay/neuter the pups before they leave to go to their new home. This would help put a stop to people like this and should also lower the number of animals in rescue shelters.

Submitted by Leslie at: May 30, 2009
Everyone has an opinion and I agree with all of you and your comments; however, I hope in my heart that every animal lover will do MUCH more than add a comment to this site - that you will continually give your financial support to the wonderful organizations who TRULY NEED monetary funds like the ASPCA, HSUS, PETA, etc. (even if it's only a few dollars monthly, bi-monthly or whenever you can. Also, SPREAD THE WORD to your friends, co-workers and anyone who will make a difference in stopping this tragedy to these helpless animals only we can protect and save. If you own a dog, cat, horse or other animal, you know what they do for YOU!

Submitted by Christine at: May 30, 2009
I can't believe yet another animal shelter or humane society's director is harming the very animals she has vowed to love and protect.Please I mean no offense to any humane society or shelter workers who do love and protect the animals in their care, but this must make you good guys outraged because people like this woman adds nothing but shame and disgust to the workers of other humane societys and shelters who take their job very seriously and love the anials they care for. I have said it for years, that each and every shelter and humane society be gone through with a fine toothed comb by an animal task force looking for abuse such as this. People who treat their animals right have no problem opening their doors willingly and inviting the task force into their facility. There have been too many cases that the shelters and or humane societys are horrible people and treat these animals worse than where they came from. Laws need to change and the penalty's for animal abuse must go up to the same level as child protective laws and penalty process. They should be fined thousands of dollars to be paid to the organizations who take in these poor animals and get them urgent veterinarian care they need. Then they should go to jail for life. If someone is capable of doing such horendous things to an innocent animal they are definately doing the same thing to a child or adult. Their minds are sick and twisted and have no business living out in society. We have enough problems with people who belong locked up free on the streets. Something has got to change and as a nation not individual states the laws must be the exact same from enormous fines and severe, harsh prison time. This kind of abuse will not end until the laws become stricter, any form of animals abuse or cruelty become 100%FELONY acts each and every time and the courts have to stop slapping these horrid people on the wrist and releasing them to do the same thing som ewhere else to more animals. They are animal petophiles who target innocent animals instead of children. Both are defenseless, innocent, and can do nothing to fight off their attackers. When will enough be enough? How many more petitions and protests must we write and sign and worse, how many more animals will be made to suffer un til someone in legislation says, the laws regarding animal abuse will be identical now and in the future of all child prtective laws and penalty process. Someone of power needs to hear our cries because they are the cries of the voiceless animals we fight for. We are their voice.

Submitted by Lorrie Varner at: May 30, 2009
There is no reason she should be out on bond!! She she be locked up till the end of time just like Michael Vick!! These people deserve to have their lives taken away just like what they did to these poor animals!!!

Submitted by Barb at: May 30, 2009
This sad example is set by a human being-we are stunned and disgusted by the pictures we see and yet way to many people will not get their beloved animals neutered or spayed. We need to take care of the animals we have and not bring anymore into this world until all that are already here have a loving home free from want of food, shelter (and I don't mean a dogpen and chain around the neck)and the love they deserve. I come home every night from work to three loving dogs that are so happy to see me--even though my husband is home all day, they know when one of us is not here.

Submitted by kevin k at: May 30, 2009
i have heard about these terrible people that do this to innocent animals. i live in pa, and we are called the puppy mill capitol of the east coast. thank god we have new laws that were put into place by our govener to help these poor innocent animals. it sickens me to death that a human would treat an animal with such disrespect. would she treat her children like that, i dont think so and if she would she would be in prison by now. it makes no sense that if a child is neglected she would go to prison, isnt an animal just like having a child? i say give her life in prison without perole and starve her to death in there and abuse her like she did to those animals. ROTT IN HELL YOU ANIMAL ABUSER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Submitted by CAREN at: May 30, 2009
I just cry and pray for these animals and any other that are being abused. God bless the people that do something about it! May the abusers spend their life in prison being abused!!

Submitted by Sophia....CHANGE THE LAWS...!!! at: May 29, 2009
This abuse, neglect and horrow of innocent animals of all types needs to be stopped once and for all... These horrible exuse for a human get slapped on the wrist most of the time and a measly fine... THERE COMES A TIME WHEN IT HAS TO MEAN SOMETHING TO ALL OF THOSE BIG SHOTS IN OUR STATE AND FEDERAL LAW MAKERS... "STOP THE ABUSE" END OF STORY... OVER 10,000 DOGS GET PUT TO SLEEP EVERY IN THE U.S.A. THAT IS DISGUSTING AND NOT ACCEPTABLE... THAT IS OVER 4 YES 4 MILLION A YEAR THAT DIE BECAUSE OF HUMANS... SICK SICK SICK... HEY PRESIDENT OBAMA.... HOW ABOUT SOME STIMULUS FOR OUR ANIMALS THAT NEED HELP TOO... WELL...??? WHY DON'T THEY A PROGRAM THAT IS STATE FUNDED TO GET THE DOGS SPADE AND NEUTERED... THEY DO IT FOR CATS... WHY NOT THE DOGS... Thank you ASPCA for your help with all of the abused and neglected animals... GOD BLESS...!!!

Submitted by Shenna at: May 29, 2009
It truly makes me cry im the type of person who wants to give every single one of them poor babys love my prayers are with them and for the ppl who let this go on i think they should be pined up and neglected treat them how they treated them poor animals. animals dont have voices we are their voices

Submitted by laura at: May 29, 2009
Our job as human beings is to take care of animals and children - the helpless. I hate most people and far prefer the comnpany of animals. It tears my heart out when I hear of abusive behavior. These people should be treated as if they had done the same to a person.

Submitted by mike at: May 29, 2009
I HOPE THIS DISGUSTING EXCUSE FOR A HUMAN "PETKUS" DIES A MISERABLE DEATH FROM A HORRIBLE DISEASE. LOW LIFE SCUM.

Submitted by angie at: May 29, 2009
i cant stand to see a animal get abused. i love animals and i hpoe that all animal lovers will contiue to help the aspca stop the hurt and abuse some animals go thru.togther we can stop the animal abuse. all animals deserve a chance.

Submitted by ellen at: May 29, 2009
you cannot let people out there abuse inicent animals like they do.. someone,us have to help them. those animals need our love and support and you should be more than willing to help them. think about it, thank you

Submitted by Linda at: May 29, 2009
Out on bail ? She needs to be put into a cage without food and water like the innocent animals were treated at the so called sanctuary . Sanctuaries are here to help, by providing safety ,love ,medical care .These people are low lives and should never never be able to be near animals or own any animals or work around animals . She should serve years in prison to be made an example of .

Submitted by CG at: May 29, 2009
Didn't I read somewhere that the county used this as a shelter? Who, at the county, was a sleep at the wheele? NO ONE checked where the animals were going? Someone at the county knew....

Submitted by Pollyana Harmon at: May 29, 2009
All living things are God s creature, human, enimals, birds, sea manals, plants, forrest in thie planet earth. God gave us the stewardship to care for all living things. Please be kind to the voiceless animals, give them a chance to exit, they deserve to be part of this universe,as much as you and I do

Submitted by barbara at: May 29, 2009
i do alot of rescue and this is the sadest,she was no better then a puppy mill, and was supose to be helping,people like that, should be put into a kennle and starved, oh but thats agenst the law.

Submitted by Debbie Gardner at: May 29, 2009
This is truly inhumane treatment. These type of people that treat animals like this should be barred from ever being able to own another pet and should pay the price big time!! There should also be a law put in place to stop the breeding process -- we have enough pets in the shelter needing homes. All animals should be spayed and neutered. If it was mandated that all animals be spayed and neutered, we could shut down all these puppy mills that fuel the pet stores that in turn, in addition to breeders, sell them for big profits, not understanding what the mother of these prescious little ones endure while the puppy mills and breeders make money off of them.

Submitted by Bonnie Towles at: May 29, 2009
These photos depict the same dogs ... 4 total, one of which seems ungroomed but not ill. Surely with so many animals deemed at risk, the photographs should be more representative. While no shelter should neglect even one animal, I wonder how many of the other commentators are or would be willing to provide daily care to the numerous unwanted pets. Obviously this shelter did not hae sufficient personnel / support ... I would prefer that the ASPCA reduce it's very large corporate salaries and expensive corporate overhead and shared some of its millions in revenue and expertise (check Charitynavigator.com) with smaller shelters, (i.e. helped them with training and marketing), then wait until such expensive and desperate interventions are necessary.

Submitted by Linda Carr at: May 29, 2009
I am just sick looking at the pictures of those poor animals. How in the world can someone be so cruel. You can just see the saddness and misery in their little eyes. I pray they can all be saved and get adopted to a loving and forever home and the crazy person that is responsible will be punished to the maximum.

Submitted by Kathlene at: May 29, 2009
Human predators are the worst kind of animal on God's green earth. These poor creatures were subjected to cruelty and neglect. They are voiceless and look to HUMANS with a heart to provide them with proper care. How extremely sad and I ask the good Lord to find them warm, caring and a loving home. This low-life should be put in jail to set an example to others and not merely given a slap on the wrist!!!!! God bless you little guys.!

Submitted by Patricia R at: May 29, 2009
I am a volunteer at our local Humane Society of Missouri. It never cesses to amaze me that so many good people get angry at the shelter and puppy mill owners who are in charge of the animals care. for their mistreatment of the animals, and certainly they should. However the answer to many of these horrible conditions is that we all get together and CHANGE THE LAWS!!!! Often there is nothing that can be done due to the old and out dated laws that are still on the books. Write to your senators and represenitives in your state and tell them to change the laws for the sake of these poor beings. This is cruely to the inth degree.

Submitted by kim at: May 29, 2009
I agree only 10,000 bond they should have the same treatment as those poor animals really makes me sick !!! They are simply helpless and its a shame!

Submitted by Pete at: May 29, 2009
This is terrible, thank god for the ASPCA! I work in Louisiana, and somebody needs to check out that state because those people over there are crazy what they do to animals, Ive call the cops and they dont do a thing. So if anybody from the ASPCA reed this, please think about it!!!

Submitted by Teresa at: May 29, 2009
These poor babies. We need to make puppy mills illegal in the US and have strict policies and spot check for rescues and sanctuaries. What happens to children and animals in our country is a shame for all off us to bear. More people need to care and act!!

Submitted by Carol antonio at: May 29, 2009
I don't think anyone got carried away with this story... you can see from the above pictures the deplorable condition the dogs were in... HORRIBLE !! No Excuse... Thank god they have been rescued from this supposable animal sanctuary ... Sickens me that human's treat innocent animals like this...

Submitted by Jeri at: May 29, 2009
Please don't let these hideous people go with just a slap on the wrist. ...what kind of people can do this...it frightens me to think they exist in our world Poor poor animals....

Submitted by Nan B at: May 29, 2009
I have so much to say! But my heart aches too much, but I will say. The worst punishment this person could get wouldn't be enough!!!!

Submitted by paws 4 life at: May 29, 2009
OMG! How terrible. How could she run a sanctuary, which is suppose to give.. shelter - care - love - hope... to precious animals in need? Her punishment needs to be harsher than what she put these poor creatures through!

Submitted by delana at: May 29, 2009
this is just wrong the animals don't do any thing to desevre this we should end animal crulityforeve

Submitted by mermaid53 at: May 29, 2009
I just cannot stand it!!!!!!!! Who could not ask for help.....this is another terrible event did nobody know about this before now????????? I want animal lovers to keep their eyes open all around each of us to help these little creatures. They all deserve so much love why????????

Submitted by nancy at: May 29, 2009
these little babies, my god.i am not proud to be a human....

Submitted by Pucca Mom at: May 29, 2009
How sad. I live in Missouri and we have this going on all the time. I think these people should be put in the same situation as these poor aninals are in. Maybe that might make them think like a human being is suppose to. They are PREDATORS AND THE NEED TO BE DEALT WITH

Submitted by Wanda at: May 29, 2009
How can people be so cruel and cold-hearted? Let these animals go so that they can be adopted! Why should these poor babies suffer? Those people need to go to jail as an example to show others that you can't get away with animal cruelty. These creatures are innocent: just caught up in these people's greed and madness.

Submitted by Anonymous at: May 29, 2009
Lynn, you're so right! area shelters should receive more volunteers from the public. Send out a flyer (a cheap one) to schools, to every residence, encouraging ppl to visit, donate, fund raise, bring the kids..etc get the community envolved to prevent these criminals, like Petkus, to continue abusing innocent animals. Educating ppl in whats going on in their area, is the key.

Submitted by Michelle at: May 29, 2009
This is where all these helpless animals that are adoptable need our help, it is a sad thing to see.But happens more than you know.God bless these animals.

Submitted by Merryl at: May 29, 2009
This moron needs to be put in jail and not have the right to decide what happens to these poor animals. How dare she think she can make these decisions and if the law allows this...it needs to be changed. I think she should be treated just like she treated these animals. We need to start treating these idiots with the same abuse that they have given.

Submitted by mayra at: May 29, 2009
where are the dogs now?

Submitted by Jean Smith at: May 29, 2009
I like Doug's quote: Hang em high judge, and I mean what I say. Hang em real high A good whipping, a wire cage, and lack of food and water are good starts. Sad to see how people treat animals..... how do you think they treat family??????

Submitted by Dolores Ianniello at: May 29, 2009
how could you ever feel sorry for someone who would let this happen!!!!!!!!!!!!this is awful!!!!!!!!!These are innocent animals who can not help themselves,,,,this is nuts!!!!!!!!!!!!

Submitted by Sonia Coveney at: May 29, 2009
It's really sad. I can't believe how this person who was supposed to take care of these defenseless creatures has done this to them. She doesn't love animals because just looking at the pictures, it's obvious they received no care. She deserves to be treated exactly how she treated these babies. I think this should be considered for a law, because probably it is the only way how these people are going to learn. These people abused animals because the animals can't speak up for themselves.

Submitted by Maureen at: May 29, 2009
To anyone who feels even the slightest amount of pity for this person, (and by some of your comments, I can see that many of you do) There is no one and I mean NO ONE to blame but the founder of this so called organization. It's not the county's fault, it's not the public's fault, it's no one's fault but Petkus' own that these animals ended up in the sick living conditions in which they were found. Hey, we all choose our own lot in life, and hopefully we all know just what we can and cannot handle. If you can't handle your choices, then don't make them. It's really that simple. Think things thru. I have also seen the pictures, and I'm sorry but they are deplorable, and so is Petkus. The fact that she would not sign these animals over, is not enought "fact" for you "Not Judging"??. As far as I'm concerned, the media doesn't get involved enough! I wish there was more National Attention and Exposure given to this type of sick behavior and the inhumane individuals that cause it!!!

Submitted by Maureen at: May 29, 2009
I am absolutely outraged over this article. I have done rescue for years and work in the animal field now. Who is the "true" animal in this case?? These poor sweet creatures rely on us as rescuers to take care of them, as they can not do it themselves. Just who does this person (and I use that word loosely) think she is?! These animals would undoubtedly stand a better chance at living out on the streets. Why doesn't each individual state mandate more inspections of animal shelters and Please for God's sake start recognizing these situations for what they really are "Heinous Crimes" and deliver the Just and most extreme punishment for which they deserve?!

Submitted by Sandra Fenster at: May 29, 2009
Only $10,000 bond? This is a perfect example of how our judicial system minimizes 400 counts of criminal action on helpless animals. This company's owners, being agent's of the state, should be held to the strictest enforcement of the law. These acts of torture were intentional and of long duration for profit and personal gain. How can we allow such amoral behavior in our society?

Submitted by Amanda at: May 29, 2009
i meant the ppl who r doing this need to stop n we r their voices...they dont have any

Submitted by Not judging at: May 29, 2009
Before people judge one another the facts should be told. I know for a fact that the media and public get carried away with any story. It seems these days’ people are guilty before proven innocent. It’s sad that our society jumps to conclusion before “all” the facts are told. This place is an animal rescue, don’t you think that maybe, Jennifer had rescued these animals from abusive homes or from the streets and was getting them care. Before getting the facts someone probably JUMPED THE GUN! My dogs were murdered by the local cop. Then the law tried to say I was neglecting them and abusing them. I loved my dogs liked they were my kids. I would give my life to protect my pets. When I proved to the cop they were wrong he then turned on me. I grew up in a law enforcement environment, I believed in the law. I could not believe what was happening to me! I couldn’t break away from this nightmare! The next thing I knew charges were filed against me. I finally found an attorney who saw through their scheme. By this time it was too late to file charges against the cop and everyone else involved. Since this had happened to me I have learned there are many people who too were judged before the facts were told. Something should be done to those who jump to conclusion before finding out the facts! To this day, the pain is still there! Oh, how I miss my dogs! I was put through hell. I saw the story on her. I have only seen a few dogs that had problems but once again; this is an animal rescue farm questions need to be asked before judging. I seen pictures of the dogs in their kennels, they look healthy. The kennels look clean and big, NOT like a puppy mill!!! The horses look healthy. So before you judge get the facts!

Submitted by Amanda at: May 29, 2009
jeez ppl u need to stop!!!

Submitted by Linda at: May 29, 2009
does anyone know what her sentence is

Submitted by NK at: May 29, 2009
how can the county allow this to happen? If it was a "shelter" then someone should have been overseeing it. This is horrible and everyone involved should be made an example of. Harsher laws, fines, and punishments would go a long way.

Submitted by patty at: May 29, 2009
That person or persons should have the book thrown at them,no one has the right to treat animals that way,I give to 4 different animal charieties including the ASPCA,I also have 4 dogs and 6 cats all indoor pets,I would go with out before my pets would.

Submitted by UWE FREYER at: May 29, 2009
Sanctuary implies save heaven. What posses a person to pretend to help animals and then end up treating them so terribly and then when cought not wanting to sign them over to protective authority? I think she must be a sadist and therefore she should be thrown into a mideaval dungeon with the minimum of food and water and she will see how she likes her own treatment!!!

Submitted by lcarpenito@asherco.com at: May 29, 2009
please look how people treat these babies

Submitted by Daniel James at: May 29, 2009
I totally agree with Kathleen....HUMAN PREDATORS ARE THE WORST ANIMAL ON GOD'S GREEN EARTH.

Submitted by Sheila at: May 29, 2009
I donate to 3 animal organizations so this kind of stuff can stop. I think they need to have tougher laws for animal abusers. Just cause they are animals doesn't give them the right to abuse them. I really think all people who abuse animals in an inhuman way or any other way and make them suffer should be put in jail after all this is a crime too ,maybe if they start cracking down on these people who are suppose to be caring for animals and these puppy mills that they know alredy exist just maybe things would change. I have never heard of any of these people getting a stiff sentence for doing this to animals. I think they should not even be set free after what them have done,they should have to live in the same conditions that they made those poor animals live in. It just makes me sick to hear of things like this. If only the animals could speak for themselves maybe these people would be jailed. Maybe if these LAW makers had to live like this for awhile they would change the laws and put people like this in prison.There is no way one person can take care of that many animals. I have 8 dogs and 2 cats and it is a job to bath them every week and keep them groomed and buy food but I do because I love animals and 6 of them are inside dogs that I groom every 4 weeks. This person should never see the outside world again. I just don't understand what they get out of abusing animals. Please make every efford to send this person to prison for life. But I'm sure that won't happen she MIGHT get fined and told that she can never have another animal again just a little slap on the wrist and tell her not to do that again that's how the laws are for the poor animals even though they have the proof right in front of them so why even give her a chance they already have all the proof the need. SEND THE B_ _ _ H to prison. That's all I have to say. Sheila Amite/LA

Submitted by lynn at: May 29, 2009
Maybe the public should be more willing to help area shelters and not just call them when an animal needs help. You know shelters need help too. The animals look bad with skin conditions but the public is just as responsible.If people volunteered at areal shelters this wouldn't happen and the sanctuary or shelter wouldn't be overwhelmed.

Submitted by Barbara L.Knepp at: May 29, 2009
These people that do this deserve nothing more then the same treatment!This makes me sick that people would treat these poor babys like this!Should never be able to take care of any animal again! Can't even imagine how these poor little darlins were suffering! Poor excuse for a human being!SHAME OM HER!

Submitted by Emily at: May 29, 2009
WE ARE VOICELESS!

Submitted by Kathleen at: May 29, 2009
Once again, there is no excuse for what happened to these voiceless and helpless animals at the hands of this low-life!!!!! When you have a sancturary you should be visited periodically by the state or local authorities. I just love animals wild or tame and we are defintely their voice. These poor neglected animals "thought" that they were placed in caring enviorment....guess not!!!!!!! She deserves a cage, no food or drink and allowed to see how it feels!!!!!!!!!! Laws should be put in place so that these innocent and voiceless creatures stay out of human predtors...the worst "type" animal alive!!! Let's move forward to get these type of laws going in our country.

Submitted by Linda at: May 29, 2009
While I too find this horrid, my question is, IF she was working WITH the county as their shelter, HOW could they not know what was going on ?? This makes no sense. But what is worse, I am a valid rescue (potbelly pigs), adopt out healthy animals on a regular basis, yet the county is all over me because I have 15 more than I should. Zoned for 24, but have 35 on 5 acres. So while there are those of us that want to help the animals and do it the RIGHT WAY, Animal Control is on a rampage to banish HOARDERS and in their minds, anyone having more than 2-4 of anything IS a HOARDER. Hence fewer and fewer people are willing to step to HELP this animals when they too could be the next labelled as a HOARDER. I agree there situations like this should not be, but not everyone that wants to do something is bad, and that is the way we valid rescues are now being viewed. Is sad for the all concerned.

Submitted by Kathy at: May 29, 2009
Yes to most of all that's been said. The owners of these "establiments" should have to pay a certain amount to go toward the treatments needed for each animal confiscated. The sick and twisted Ms. Petkus (she's no lady) should be put into a wire cage. She obviously doesn't understand the suffering she's caused. She should now be made to help with the needed care and treatment of her neglected animals, under supervision, of course. Not sure if psycho-therapy would help but she needs something. A good whipping, a wire cage, and lack of food and water are good starts.

Submitted by Deb Cloutier at: May 29, 2009
The fact that she refuses to sign the animals over so they can be adopted into loving homes tells me she was in this soley for herself...it probably started as "look at the attention I will get if I "take care" of homeless animals", then of course she didn't take care of those defenseless animals, and now she is doing her best to deny them the lives they all deserve...she is one evil, self-absorbed person and I pray someone close to her intervenes and gets her to do the right thing. I don't live in that area, but I hope those who do will do everything they can to see to it those poor animals, animals HUMANS allowed to come into this world, live out beautiful lives for the rest of theirs.

Submitted by Tanya at: May 29, 2009
I cannot agree with Kristina at all. I don't care how bad her situation was. She should of let them go to a better home or asked for some help. Imagine if they would of been childrens, then what. Please don't make excuses for this monster. I have no self pity for this piece of. She deserves exactly what she did to these poor babies. Like someone else said, they can't speak for themselves. But there are people like me who speaks out for them. I feel so sorry for these babies and really upset over this monster. She should spend some time locked up and even that is too good for her. In prison she will get hot meals, a warm bed and clean water, things that these babies weren't able to have the luxury in her custody. She has the nerve to say she won't give them up. PLEASE!!! Look at the pictures it says it all. We need to have stricker laws where these kind of monsters are really punished, some get away even with murdering this babies.

Submitted by Robin at: May 29, 2009
Yes it is truly awful. What I want to know is, where were the authorities prior to this? Abuse and neglect does not happen overnight and if she was suppposed to be passing herself off as a shelter, why hasn't this been exposed much, much earlier. Just as a rehabilitator is required to get a license and be followed up with inspections, so too should a shelter. Obviously she took on more than she could handle and got overwhelmed and for whatever reason didn't ask for help. Those turning in animals are as culpable as she is.

Submitted by Douglas W Dow at: May 29, 2009
Hang em high judge, and I mean what I say. Hang em real high

Submitted by Cindie at: May 29, 2009
You just plain don't let a situation become that bad. These animals are defenseless, and have only us to depend on. We need stricter laws, and more severe punishment against animal abuse.

Submitted by kathy at: May 29, 2009
the laws can change and make these animals free to be adopted, no one would give this person any animal to care for, so why not let the animals be adopted, such a shame that one can treat animals like this, she should face the full extent of the law and not be entitled to bail

Submitted by Robin at: May 29, 2009
I agree with Kristina in one respect, human torture will not get you anywhere....education and some sort of punishment (i.e. definite jail time and heavy monetary penalties are in order )however...come on how could you NOT know these animals were suffering. A picture tells a thousand words and these babies can't speak for themselves but as much suffering as these picutures depict, they look greatful for being rescued. Thanks to all for their efforts!

Submitted by Sydney at: May 29, 2009
No excuse for this!!!! She should be sent to prison for the rest of her life!!! Only the lowest form of a human could ever do this. I hope she lives the rest of her life in shame & misery!!! Even our forgiving God will have trouble with this!!!! How can she have any rights when it comes to these animals, our legal system needs changed....BAD!!

Submitted by Anonymous at: May 29, 2009
This lady should be put away and never allowed to own an animal again. It's obvious she cannot take proper care of poor defenseless animals and doesn't care about how she treats her animals. If she would have truly loved or cared about the well being of her animals, she would have given them to an organization that could have taken proper care of them. It takes a horrible, inhumane person to treat loving animals the way she has according to these pictures. This lady needs to pay a fine and get some jain time, get some education on how to treat animals and never be allowed to own an animal.

Submitted by KP at: May 29, 2009
There is NO excuse for her actions.How sick in the head can a person be. She deserves the absolute worst punishment.That woman is down right cruel.I have no pitty for her. I could care less what happens to her. No animal derserves to be mistreated.

Submitted by Lynne at: May 29, 2009
To imagine that these poor babies have had to live this kind of life. This sickens me. I wish that there were stiffer penalties for this kind of torture. A year or two of probation, or a year or two in jail, isn't anything to these people. At that point, something should be done to insure that these scums are never allowed to board, own, or handle any more animals as long as that person lives! I am sick and tired of seeing things like this, there is no reason or excuse for this type of torture. I am in the process of schooling to become a vet. tech, just because so many stories I have seen and heard of have touched me. I want to be the one who makes babies like this all better. My heart and prayers go out to all of the defenseless animals that are able to be saved, and to those who are not...God Bless.

Submitted by Ry at: May 29, 2009
By wishing the woman harm we are only sinking ourselves lower. I am VERY against animal abuse (Im a vegan) and do not like what I see, but that does not always mean we must put ourselves on a lower level for justice to prevail.

Submitted by Kristina at: May 29, 2009
I feel really awful for these poor animals, and I to believe she should get some jail time, but come on guys, wishing she be tortured, and physically harmed in any way, is just missed up, she should be educated more on treatment and punished only if she truely new that she was intentually harming the animals, I know that animal hoarders dont get punished cause its a condition, and they try their hardest to help their animals but they get overwhelmed or just dont know the basic, who ever said that just cause you own a sanctuary or rescue organization that you dont have the same problems as a hoarder? before wishing harm to another human being think of what could have happened, and since she has operated im sure for a few years at the least then maybe this could have occured due to financal problems, or something in her personal life happened and she just couldnt care for them how she wished, before you say she should have gotten rid of them at that point, think of what you would do if it were your pet. I know for me if I had a situation like that I would keep my 3 cats and 1 dog for as long as possible, and yes I would have found homes for them before they ended up like the above photos of her animals, but think of how many were seized she could have felt hopelessly lost on how to find them a home, and yes I do believe she should now sign them over, but think about it, what are the conditions of her signing them over, ASPCA could very well be asking her to never own or operate another animal business or even keep pets, I know for me that would not be acceptible, i have to have my pets. so please reconsider asking harm to those that are posted here, am not saying that i dont wish them to know the suffering of their animals but torture and other forms of harm wished by one human to another is just unacceptible in my mind. God Bless these animals, and the woman. I hope she does learn from this.

Submitted by Priscilla at: May 29, 2009
I agree with Karen and MD. Susan need to take another look at the pictures provided. These poor babies can't seek help for themselves. She took on the responsibility to care for these animals and it's obvious that she didn't. If it because too much for her then she should have asked for help or tried to find other local shelters to help. Many be should get a taste of her own medicine and see how she feels. The difference would be is that she could walk away from her situation or speak out. These babies couldn't do either!! If she had good intentions then she should have found a solution when it became overwhelming. There's just no excuse....

Submitted by Lisa at: May 29, 2009
Will the ASPCA be letting Wisconsinites know when it might be possible to adopt one or more of these animals. As an animal lover and someone not too far from Richland Center, I'd like to help.

Submitted by mississippi at: May 29, 2009
May she have to face those that she has affected when she gets to the other side. Explain it to them!!!!

Submitted by Bam Bam's Mom at: May 29, 2009
who ever did this to this animals deserve to placed in a dirty cage-no food-no water under the sun/rain. This is criminal! should be put jail retraining order for life on ANY KIND OF ANIMALS!

Submitted by kevin at: May 29, 2009
I hope this poor excuse of a person goes to prison!!!!

Submitted by Gail at: May 29, 2009
Take Away her home, her license her life! She is not fit to live. This is sickening and I hope the law changes to inprison anyone who says they have a shelter for animals and has this kind of unfit conditions and not medical for these sweet animals. How inhumane can a person be! Theres more out there than I want to know it breaks my heart. Gail/Cincinnati Ohio

Submitted by Kate at: May 29, 2009
Jennifer Pektus should be tortured slowly, just like she did those poor animals. I hope she suffers mentally, financially and if we are lucky, physically!!!

Submitted by Caitlin Jones age 11 at: May 29, 2009
Poor doggies, I REALLY, REALLY HATE people who do that! I love animals so much I fed a stray cat that would come to my backyard when my mom wasn't looking, I wasn't allowed to feed him but I fed him when I was out of sight. People like the women who did that to the dogs make me sick. Oh and once I took a dog in my house when it was sopping wet from the rain (2 years ago)! poor thing was ABOUT to get hit by a Grey car.

Submitted by Kim Morse, SC at: May 29, 2009
I believe the punishment should fit the crime. Lock her in the small cage, no water, no food, mat her hair like fir and leave her in the hot hot sun. let her swelter! She should be made to suffer. Anyone who harms any animal should be made to suffer the same abuse the animal endured. You don't want it, give it away, take it to a shelter. Animals love UNCONDITIONALLY we could learn something from them. My pets are like my children, they are treated with tenderness, love and respect. No where else in the world can you get the love an animal gives you no matter what you do to it. You should just crawl into a hole and DIE!!!! You hag.

Submitted by sharry at: May 29, 2009
Don't judge her unless you know the whole story, and know for a fact that she didn't give a crap. No one in their right mind takes on the responsibility of that many animals without doing what they can to get help. This is a sad story, but as a rescuer, I know how this could have happened completely out of her control. I'm not saying that I know for sure one way or another, but I'm certainly not going to judge her without knowing the facts, and no one else should either.

Submitted by Michelle at: May 29, 2009
This truly breaks my heart! Thank God that ASPCA came to the rescue and helped all of these innocent animals to safety. Applause to all of you for your very, very hard work! As for the sick psycho who did this to these innocent animals, I can only hope and pray she gets what is coming to her!!!!

Submitted by Marier Ambriz at: May 29, 2009
I can't find words for say how sad,engry I feel about that, the need be more strong with persons... if can call "persons", abuse animals, they feel, cant talk but of course feel if I can have a wish, let me 5 min alone with that monster only 5 min an will sorry for the rest of her life

Submitted by mj nau at: May 29, 2009
Why not get going & change the law? One should lose the right to hold on to ownership of animals that are declared abused.

Submitted by alix at: May 29, 2009
Until we prosecute harshly, set an example there are more out there just like her, i would like to see her banned from ever having ANIMALS again and a long jail sentence, we have to set examples and scare other abusers.

Submitted by Kathy at: May 29, 2009
People that hoard animals are ill. They don't realize that what they are doing will hurt the animals more than help them, but this is no excuse. She needs to be accountable for her actions. I only hope other hoarders will see this and something may click, where they will decide they need to get help. Bottom line.. the woman needs to be locked up for a while, as she has locked up these poor animals. Too bad they can't keep her without food and water, as she has left these poor animals.

Submitted by angie at: May 29, 2009
Amen to Susans comment. These large organizations do not help until they can get publicity. I run a reputable rescue and we are the only organization in the state of Montana that helps feral cats for instance Ally Cat Ally will give you all this info you already know but no financial help or manpower to do it. Tha ASPCA is the same way always full of ideas but none of their donated funds to carry out the action. Many reputable org. Could do more with funds to carry it out. I do not condone what this woman did. She needed to realize what she could handle and turn her back on what she could not. I know this is hard to do from personal experience you cannot take them all and jepordize the care of the animals you are. Already caring for. In closing there should be more focus on the large groups to help the groups that are actually doing the physical amd mental work to help them. Money for spay neuter would be a first step. Do you know how creative small org. Can to get the most for a buck. Instead of spending a portion they spend on advertising how they help give even $1000 would help our organization spay or neuter and vaccinate 30 cats or 20 dogs. Just figure how many litters that would prevent. Again help us before it gets to this not afterwards by then the damage is done and once again the animals suffer. Come on big organizations help us little guys who are properly caring for and helping the homeless pets. We could do more for the buck because we are used to Pinching pennies and doing the most for less. What is a big struggle could be lessened if we worked together. We do what at and the big organizations do what they are good at getting us funds for spay neuter vaccinations and housing. Especially the ones that get no city or county funding should be helped that care for at least 100 or more animals especially need your support. Help For Homeless Pets Billings Mt.

Submitted by Jan at: May 29, 2009
I agree with Jeannie wholeheartedly! This person should be beneath the jail and throw the key away.These animals do not deserve to be treated like this. they are God's creatures!

Submitted by Jeannie at: May 29, 2009
It is so sad to see these poor animals suffer, you can see the pain and hopelessness in their eyes. She needs to be punished to the max, and treated just like her animals were, months, and months of neglect, and cruelty. Their is no excuse that could be accepted, their are plenty of rescue people who would have been glad to help before it got to this point of no return. I have not an ounce of compassion for her, their is no excuse in the world for her to let her animals suffer by not getting help for them in their time of need. I hope they take her to the cleaners, and she should not be able to own any kind of an animal, not even a pet spider!!!!!!! She is totally irresponsible!!!!!! No excuse for this kind of treatment to these poor sweet animals, looking to her for their needs to be meant!!!!!!!! She sickens me, this is the worst kind of abuse!!!!!!! What the heck was she thinking, or does she think at all!!!!!!! She makes me so sick to my stomach, to see what she has done to these animals is the worst crime ever!

Submitted by tracey at: May 29, 2009
I am from the Madison Area and have given a cash donation to the Dane County Humane Society (which I typically don't support as they are a KILL SHELTER). However, I am glad to see them involved in this rescue and happy to support them in this instance. Our news last night reported that Jennifer Petkus was allowed at the Dane County Humane Society to visit the animals. REALLY? DCHS should have a restraining order against her. I don't have any idea why she should be allowed to visit animals she was allowing to die. Ridiculous and poor judgement on the part of DCHS

Submitted by MD at: May 29, 2009
Susan, You have the MOST ILLOGICAL EXCUSE for hoarding animals I have ever heard.This woman was hoarding animals under the auspices of a Rescue. One only needs to look at the animals to assess that. That is why there is euthanasia. You do NOT rescue a dog from hell only to put it right back in your kind of hell. There are NO excuses for that. I have worked in veterinary medicine to long to listen to that ridiculous argument you have concocted. Seize those animals and never let her own an animal again.

Submitted by Anne at: May 29, 2009
The abuse of animals has its' origin in the PUPPY MILLS. This ranch, albeit incompetently and disasterously run, was receiving animals abandoned or lost and rescued. The animals were treated so poorly that it may be abusive. Yet, let's not ignore that the first abuse was committed by the PUPPY MILLS AND THAT'S WERE THE LAWS AND ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS ARE NEEDED, TOO.

Submitted by Animal lover at: May 29, 2009
I am truly sickened by what I see in the photos attached. I do not understand folks that take animals in but cannot care for them properly. These sweet animals deserve much better than what they got end of story.

Submitted by Tambu at: May 29, 2009
It is too bad that people don't give animals the benefit of the doubt like they do to the animal abusers. She was trusted with these animals and abused them yet AGAIN. She needs to put in a cage and suffer just like she made those poor animals. I pray for those animals because they have through ENOUGH. She needs to goto prison!

Submitted by Linda at: May 29, 2009
To Karen: Outstanding idea on the National Registery for Abusers of Animals. They are no different than the abusers of humans, worse as they prey on God's creatures that cannot care for themselves. Great idea!

Submitted by Jane at: May 29, 2009
I forgot........a huge THANK YOU to ASPCA for their rescue efforts!

Submitted by Linda Elliott at: May 29, 2009
Thank you dear friends who work so hard to rectify the cruelty of others. I don't give the owner a damn bit of honor. The animals were living in just as bad conditions as they would have been if in the wild. Thank you to all who work so hard to help. My prayers are for you.

Submitted by Vangie at: May 29, 2009
JENNIFER PEKTUS PICTURE SHOULD BE PLASTERED ON ALL ARTICLES INVOLVING HER INHUMANE TREATMENT OF THESE ANIMALS. Why is her picture not shown?

Submitted by Marie at: May 29, 2009
Greenconsciousness says, "They have dog auctions in Thorp, 20 miles from Richland County..." Obviously Greenconsciousness doesn't know much of anything, as Thorp is over 200 miles from Richland County. The rest of what they said is probably just as accurate.

Submitted by Jane at: May 29, 2009
You know, this woman is probably a hoarder. She may have had the best intentions, maybe not. We do not know all the facts, but the evidence as we have seen on the web pages indicates she was most definitely overwhelmed. To not properly care for animals held in your trust is to me, a crime. She was soliciting funds for gift card, animal supplies, equipment, so my question is, what happened? Did she not have help? For one person to take on that many animals without kennel help is crazy. Also, the county that continued to surrender animals to her "rescue" has to be responsible also. Think about it. Did they never inspect the facilities? If not, why, and if they did, why continue to send her animals and not report the abusive conditions? These things are rarely black and white, but the photos do indicate that she was not keeping up her end of the deal. I hope that she does the right thing and gives over custody. This refusal would indicate that she has a serious problem, and is in serious denial regarding what suffering she has caused. Lets hope we have updates on the legal proceedings, and maybe an address to write letters supporting her prosecution. Keep loving the animals!

Submitted by Twoblondiesmommy at: May 29, 2009
Sickening, how could someone do this?? The pain on their little faces is heartwrenching.

Submitted by Andrea at: May 29, 2009
Why should this lady be able to make the decision of keeping these animals, what is wrong with this world. These poor animals are so helpless and have no one but humans to help them, and look at the way we treat them. America needs to a clue about what is going on around us, these animals need us, not some crazy lady that could care less if they live or die.

Submitted by Karen at: May 29, 2009
I feel that anyone who is found guilty of this kind of animal neglect should be held accountable much more harshly than if these had been humans. Animals have no way of escape and cannot talk to tell anyone their plight. They must rely on human kindness for their care. I think there should be a national registry for animal offenders just as there is for sex offenders and these people should never be allowed to legally own an animal again.

Submitted by Karen at: May 29, 2009
REGARDLESS of whether or not they were dumped off at her facility, she should have had the "marbles" to keep their well-being in mind. She should have called for help long before it got this far. And as for those who are defending her, SHAME ON YOU! Get off your @#$! soapbox and do something about it. Nothing is ever perfect, but there is no excuse for what that woman did - NONE! There are so many avenues she could have taken. I myself have 12 cats, 2 dogs, a parrot, a snake, a goose, a duck AND I also feed the strays that come around the house - I do what I have to so they can have a safe, healthy life. All the animals I have mentioned all came to me as strays or someone who could not take care of them.

Submitted by Susan at: May 29, 2009
I believe the evidence shows that this woman was saving dogs from the puppy mills surrounding her. We are so quick to judge the negative. I simply want us to evaluate the situation and perhaps understand that she was trying to help. I do not know this woman, and we may never know her true intentions. I hope that all of us animal lovers look at this situation from the standpoint that we need to do what we can, as best we can. Go walk the dogs in your local shelters. Pet them, play with them, give them your time. Love goes a long way, even if that's all you have to give.

Submitted by Alice McCoy at: May 29, 2009
How dare she not relinquish these poor babies - why cause she believes how they look will tell the real story behind this type of abuse. I believe in fitting the crime as it was done unto others - put her in a very small cage - not enough for her to stretch out - place another cage on top of her - give her water and food each day but never rinsing out either and put her in a dark hole for eternity -

Submitted by Janna at: May 29, 2009
I live in a small town in Texas and have rescued 5 dogs and 5 cats which doesn't include the 2 dogs had before then. All shots, neutered or spayed and heartworm meds. My thing is, if you can't provide the proper care, don't take in more than you can chew. It breaks my heart everyday to see this kind of thing happening and not enough justice being done. They should face harder sentence for abusing animals.

Submitted by Mary DC at: May 29, 2009
My comment to Susan from WI, PLEASE! I have followed this story since the puppy mill raid and these poor animals, some of which had never seen daylight, are unlikely "dumped dogs". Take a look at the videos and pictures which show the defects in pups not to mention the filth they were forced to live in. If someone has a "true heart" they wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing they are responsible for these deplorable conditions. Nice try! As Lisa put it, this person should spend time in a cage! It's about time an example is set to hopefully prevent other heartless money-hungry people from abusing animals!

Submitted by Sandi at: May 29, 2009
I was speechless and so saddened when I saw the first picture of the little "Yorkie". I have one who is so precious I can't imagine anyone not taking good care of "any" dog. I couldn't see whether she had lost an eye, or if the matted hair was hiding her other eye. Poor little baby. Please do an update on these animals as I would love to know what has happened to all of them. Especially the "Yorkie". That picture really tore at my heart strings. Thank You

Submitted by Susan at: May 29, 2009
EVERYONE!! Read Greenconsciousness' comments again. This really is a true statement! I live in a rural area in the midwest and the "big" guys really aren't around. I get almost a dumped dog a day here and find homes for them! This is REAL! We should be looking more into this woman's true heart, which is that she was probably doing the best she could with what she had. Can you say that about what you do for animals? I am disgusted by these comments. I live in WI and know that county although I do not live in it. I will bet what the ASPCA is not saying is that these animals were dumped on this sanctuary and no money alloted for vet care and no where else to put them. I bet the person working this shelter work with five or sic volunteers around the clock never being able to keep up. This is Mennonite country people. Animal puppy mill breeder religious cult hypocrite country. They have dog auctions in Thorp, 20 miles from Richland County. I am getting tired of the people who try to help animals being crucified by big organizations who never help until it is too late. Then, the tragedy of those who tried is used to raise MORE money for large organizations when they did nothing to help donations go to help the sanctuary before things became critical. Is the ASPCA going to set up an alternative in Richland County? No? Well guess what will happen to Richland Co unwanted animals now? I loved the ASPCA anti cruelty efforts but I know this prosecutor and he is an animal rights hypocrite. I do not trust the details of this story. There is not enough information to judge this sanctuary owner. Did any vet offer free services? Did the county offer to pay for vet services? The owner probably wont release because she is afraid the horses will go to Mexican slaughter houses and the dogs to the dog auctions.

Submitted by Kim at: May 29, 2009
I can't believe this even happened, why was no one called sooner.The site of these dogs and other animals is awful, breaks my heart tosee that someone could do this to a poor helpless animal.Animals need us to grow and be happy and healthy. These animals need to be taken from this lady and she should never be allowed to have anymore animals for as long as should live.

Submitted by debby at: May 29, 2009
we had a man littery drag a dog to death in our town,this person is no differant, cruelty to these animals were that they were being daily dragged to their death!!! what could be worse for helpless animals that look for your care,but every day,turns into a slow death sentence,lets tell the world that this has got to stop!!!! dogs should not be sold,dogs are the best companions,they can save a persons life in many differant ways.i believe in spay and nueter,i have 12 dogs and only 2 of them i actully went out an picked out myself,the rest were left by and uncaring person that thought dumping a dog was the answer!! i live in oklahoma and i think our laws are not where they need to be,i have seen alot of animal neglect on our news reports lately,so it is coming out more to the public! our prosecutors are going to have to really do more to make examples of these horriable monsters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Submitted by Alisha at: May 29, 2009
This breaks my heart.

Submitted by Colleen at: May 29, 2009
This kind of abuse deserves the absolute maximum penalties possible. This person must be mentally ill as there can be no other logical explanation for such cruelty. She should be locked away in an institution where she belongs.

Submitted by Loree at: May 29, 2009
She should go to prison. This kind of thing should never be allowed and should be punished like child abuse. If she were keeping children this way, she would be locked away forever.

Submitted by Greenconsciousness at: May 29, 2009
I am disgusted by these comments. I live in WI and know that county although I do not live in it. I will bet what the ASPCA is not saying is that these animals were dumped on this sanctuary and no money alloted for vet care and no where else to put them. I bet the person working this shelter work with five or sic volunteers around the clock never being able to keep up. This is Mennonite country people. Animal puppy mill breeder religious cult hypocrite country. They have dog auctions in Thorp, 20 miles from Richland County. I am getting tired of the people who try to help animals being crucified by big organizations who never help until it is too late. Then, the tragedy of those who tried is used to raise MORE money for large organizations when they did nothing to help donations go to help the sanctuary before things became critical. Is the ASPCA going to set up an alternative in Richland County? No? Well guess what will happen to Richland Co unwanted animals now? I loved the ASPCA anti cruelty efforts but I know this prosecutor and he is an animal rights hypocrite. I do not trust the details of this story. There is not enough information to judge this sanctuary owner. Did any vet offer free services? Did the county offer to pay for vet services? The owner probably wont release because she is afraid the horses will go to Mexican slaughter houses and the dogs to the dog auctions.

Submitted by K at: May 29, 2009
Faith- don't wait to be asked to help...just do it! Go to your local shelter and volunteer. No matter what your age is, there is SOMETHING you can do that will make a difference. Collect donations via fund raisers, clerical help, dog walking, bathing, or cleaning kennels. No shelter, that I am aware of, has ever turned down an offer of help from the community. Please don't wait for an invitation!!

Submitted by Sheri at: May 29, 2009
Sad, so sad! I would think that someone would have known long before this happened that no one can care for this many animals, and keep them healthy. This is appalling, and she should receive no less than what the animals got. People, start paying attention! Look around you, it's all over, not just the large operations, but maybe next door. You are their voice! If you suspect any abuse, please, please, report it.

Submitted by Melissa at: May 29, 2009
I can not believe this was a sanctuary for animals. This woman has alot of learning to do about life and care and what it means to run an organization. It is way past time to just slap hands and fines, people that abuse animals need to face some hard judgements. I hope this Judge steps up and takes some action.

Submitted by Maria Yuen at: May 29, 2009
We need to not be only rescuing, adopting, but we really need to get to the bottom of the problems -- We need to educate all communities, children, and also get to the legislation part of it all. That way, we are not only dealing with the aftermath but the preventatives. Please help change one person at a time! volunteer at local shelters, talk to anyone you come across that want to buy a pet (adopt! Don't buy!) Thanks to ASPCA, on behalf of all suffering animals.

Submitted by Regina at: May 29, 2009
I cannot understand why this woman is being given an OPTION whether of not to give up these babies. These laws need to be changed and we have to be the ones to change them. Whenever we can, we need to go to the legislature and testify, write letters, make phone calls...whatever we can do...this is unacceptable.

Submitted by Evan at: May 29, 2009
This makes me sick!!! This woman should be stuffed in a small cage and abused as she did for the rest of her miserable life. And to think she'll probably get off with a slap on the wrist. The laws have NO TEETH!

Submitted by Debbie at: May 29, 2009
Wake up America! We are the voice for these poor animals. Make an example of this person and have them serve some jail time and while in there be treated in the same fashion!

Submitted by Leah at: May 29, 2009
These pictures speak volumes. So sad. I pray that the judge will make the right decision in the best interest of all these abused "souls" and the punishment will fit the crimes. They should never be allowed to have contact with another animal again.

Submitted by Mary Lou at: May 29, 2009
I can't believe there is so much cruelty in this world and the laws allow it. It is time this country wakes up and finds a punishment for this kind of abuse. If these people treat animals like this---- what would they do to a HUMAN????

Submitted by Rebecca Peyton at: May 29, 2009
When reading this story it broke my heart, I can not believe people in the world mis-treat animals. Just looking into those sad eyes, just makes me cry. I am so glad there are rescues out there that are there for the animals. I would love to be apart of saving animals, as I have two dogs and they are my kids.

Submitted by Marlena at: May 29, 2009
I am so-o glad you are there for the animals. I feel people that mistreat animals should be given the same type treatment for an extented time !!!!!That way people might think of the suffering and be a better person !!

Submitted by Tricia Taylor at: May 29, 2009
It is appauling that these people only get a slap on the wrist for what they do. They should do some serious jail time and be fined heavily

Submitted by Carleen at: May 29, 2009
This is a failure of the community. To care for that number of animals would be several million dollars per year and would take several hundred volunteers to clean and assist these animals. At this time rescue and shelters are seeing the number of animals being turned in 3-4times higher than the past, with funding down sharply, the alternative to to put all these animals to sleep. The choice is the community. We need volunteers in each community to step up and help. Complaining or feeling sorry for the animals is a death sentence; get involved in your own community the animals are depending on it, Don't let them down.

Submitted by Wanda at: May 29, 2009
Thank you for being around ASPCA,you are all heroes in my book.

Submitted by Matt Timmsone at: May 29, 2009
These dogs look sick and depressed. How unfortunate for them to have been in the care of such a piece of crap loser. He needs to go to jail not for months or days but for years.

Submitted by Tim B. at: May 29, 2009
Why isn't this man in jail?

Submitted by Gay DiPietro at: May 29, 2009
Enough is enough. When will these puppy mill be closed by each state they reside. States are not taking animal abuse serious enough. This man should be sentenced to one year in jail for each act of cruelty.

Submitted by Mary Ann Donnelly at: May 29, 2009
THIS MAN SHOULD BE PUT IN A CAGE FOR WEEKS, MONTHS WITHOUT FOOD AND WATER. MAYBE THEN HE WILL REPENT.

Submitted by Kim at: May 29, 2009
These people make me sick! If I could I would adopt them all but it's not possible. Maybe someone should put them in cages with no food or care. Bet they would have a different attitude then. I just don't understand how people can be so ignorant and just plain heartless. I would actully call them losers for sure. Once a loser always a loser. I'm so glad that the ASPCA rescused these animals. Now they might have chance of being treated kindly. Poor babies!

Submitted by Linda at: May 29, 2009
I read all kind of horror stories and for the life of me I cannot understand that in this day and age that there is so much abuse to these defenseless animals. I believe that if there were harsher punishments that there would be less abuse. A slap on the hand and community service does in no way justise for the abused animals. I am so sick and tired of hearing about people abusing and killing animals and here they are an hour later they are out on the street already looking for their next victim. Please Law Enforcement "ENFORCE THE LAW. Just like with Mike Vick the so called "Hero" of children. I am glad he was fined but I don't feel it was justice for the poor dogs. The government spends billions and billions of money to go to outerspace and not enough money to fight this horrific crime inflicted on all animals. Even the animals in the wild. If a dog bites someone it is destroyed without even finding why they bit that person and that is where the police and courts should start. Just maybe that poor animal was being tortured and just could not take it anymore!!!!!!! I know I couldn't. But if a human hurts an animal intentionally "Oh okay just don't do it again" and out again looking for another poor victim. COME ON AMERICA WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Submitted by elaine bosler at: May 29, 2009
The sarcoptic mange is appalling,. The poor animals scratch themselves crazy.

Submitted by Cindy at: May 29, 2009
I understand the monies that are involved in such a project but if you can not fund such a project you should not retain said project. The animals should be placed where they can get the proper care and ALL persons involved in the abuse & neglect should receive nothing less than a term in prison & a hefty fine to accompany it!

Submitted by Alice at: May 29, 2009
It is so easy for people to say poor animals. I am so glad someone is helping them. What about each of them helping? You can foster an animal, donate time, or donate any amount of funding to help support these animals. I find if very sad that so many people leave it up to someone else to make the difference. I hope the County is sending funding to help support these animals. After all they are partly to blame. The County should have been inspecting this facility on a regular basis. For anyone who does animal rescue, if you are finding it hard to keep your rescue up to standards (ASK FOR HELP) do not let the animals suffer.

Submitted by Dee at: May 29, 2009
Thank God that we have an organization as the ASPCA. If it wasn't for them, animals would never have a chance in life! I can't even believe human people could be so cruel. It is getting out of control! Again "Thank You" to the ASPCA!!

Submitted by Gail P at: May 29, 2009
First, in my opinion, to rid the world of abuse, children must be taught compassion. It apparent that some children aren't learning this at home and they grow up to be like this person... You need to educate at a young age for I highly doubt people are born abusers. Secondly, until the punishment for this type of crime match the physical and mental abuse imposed on these poor animals, the cycle won't stop. There should be a mandatory punishment in place for FIRST offenders which should include long jail time, huge fines, public service requirement... however, again, education throughout this process for the offender

Submitted by joanna at: May 28, 2009
they need help

Submitted by Tanechia at: May 28, 2009
Its unbelievable the kind of cruelty animals can go through and still survive. The thing that makes me sick is we all know almost all of those animals would still come up and lick your face for alittle attention. It is incredible the way people can think that its right to do that to things that give out unconditional love, if I could I would take a couple of them and show those animals what it is really like to be loved.

Submitted by breanna at: May 28, 2009
it is an shame people would do that to animals

Submitted by Erika at: May 28, 2009
I am so happy that the ASPCA got involved. I was reading about this in my newspaper and it absolutely broke my heart. THANK YOU TO WHOEVER REPORTED THIS, THE ANIMALS THANK YOU TOO! This is disgusting, and to think that the animals had to live in this filthy stuff, sleep in it, it just MAKES ME SICK! I am so glad that they are all out now and that they at least stand a chance of living a great life with people that love them, and and that those who are/were suffering will (if they have not been already) put out of their misery. I hope that at least the majority of those seized will recover and go on to lead a good life.

Submitted by mauibabe at: May 28, 2009
i'm disgusted & frustrated with these heartless people. how can anyone do this? just seeing these pictures makes me cry! makes me so sad to think of how long these poor animals have been suffering! Dog breeders are money hungary weirdos & it's all about the money. Why else would they raise dogs & breed them? Sure isn't for the happy joy joy of breeding, it's all about money otherwise they'd give them away free. Please people don't get your pets from puppy mills, pet stores or "breeders" adopt! Adoption is the best way! you're giving a loving animal a chance to have a wonderful life. i hope the state of wisconsin or where ever this crazy woman is from locks her up! she should never own a pet, not even a pet rock!

Submitted by faith at: May 27, 2009
i LOVE animals! it breaks my heart and makes me cry to see animals hurt and abused, when i thank about all the animals who are being abused i just want to adopt all of them! no animal deserves to be abused! if you dont want it or cant afford it give it to the aspca instead of tourturing it! i want to help fight animal cruelty! ive ALWAYS wanted to volunteer and work at a animal hospital or aspca! let me know if theres ANYTHANG i can do to help! ill be MORE than happy to help yall in ANY way! thanks, faith

Submitted by Anna at: May 26, 2009
She wasn't breeding!!!!!!!! Ahhh! You guys! It's not only people that breed that do this stuff! It's HOARDERS too. She took them in from puppy mills when they were unwanted to make money, yes! But she wasn't BREEDING!

Submitted by Pack of 11 at: May 26, 2009
I am sorry to inform the people who believe a breeding facility is started with the "BEST OF INTENTIONS" because it's all about the money. And NO, there are not any inspections to these Puppy Mills because the laws do not protect the animals. If you think they do, just consider the case of Michael Vick. He made a little speach that said he was sorry. That is true, I am sure he is sorry he got caught. But I did not see any remorse for his part in running a dog fighting ring. He never said he was sorry to all the poor dogs that were forced to breed and fight for him. Or to the dogs that were killed by him because they just didn't fight good enough. And poverty had nothing to do with his actions, he had more than enough money and even fame. HE IS A HERO TO MILLIONS OF KIDS THAT WANT TO BE JUST LIKE HIM! He said he was raised in that kind of envirnment, which is no excuse to me. HE STILL KNEW IT WAS WRONG. To all the kids out there remember this: IF YOU HAVE TO HIDE WHAT YOU ARE DOING IT IS WRONG! Just like these people who try to hide there breeding practices by stacking cage upon cage in buildings with no windows or ventilation. It is a money market that should be illegal. Any sell of ANY animal should be illegal for a period of 10 years. That should give all the kill shelters to shut down and the non kill shelters would get more adoptions. If the child that wrote comments on this matter before me knows more about how an animal should be treated than the adults that run the puppy mills do; that alone should raise alarm bells for the poor laws and the selling of a license for a breeding farm. Maybe the people in charge of such things should get the input from the children on this matter. They seem to know more about it!

Submitted by Makayla at: May 25, 2009
IM so glad people are starting to help these poor animals! I feel so bad and whan im older I am going to own my own rescue center for all animals! and make sure all of them are out of harm and in awsome care! everytime I watch animal cops I will cry and cry but at the end I always no that the animals are safe because of the aspca!!

Submitted by Donna and Jack Radisch at: May 25, 2009
How are these babies doing. Are they up for adoption? the dog in the second from the bottom looks like my beloved Marissa who passed on in '08 and was a rescue dog. any info would be appreciated

Submitted by Celeste Choate at: May 23, 2009
awww those poor babys if I as old enofe to donate or adopt them cause i would so adopt them all. i am an animal lover and i am going to fight against animal crulty!8D

Submitted by animals1019228345 at: May 23, 2009
I KNOW THAT I'M JUST A KID BUT I'M JUST WORRIED ABOUT ANIMALS AND THE WAY THERE TREATED I MEAN ANIMALS ARE LIVING THINGS TO AND THEY STILL HAVE HEARTS TO I MEAN IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT ANIMALS HAVE BEEN HERE AS LONG AS THE WORLDS BEEN HERE.AND YOU KNOW WHY THERE IS PUPPY MILLS IS BECAUSE PEOPLE MADE IT! AND IF PEOPLE CAN MAKE A PUPPY MILL THAN WE CAN STOP A PUPPY MILL! AND PEOPLE NEED TO START MAKING COMMENTS LIKE IM DOING TO TELL OTHER PEOPLE TO STOP PUPPY MILLS AND HELP ANIMALS AND PEOPLE I REPEAT DO NOT LITTER THIS CAN KILL ANIMALS AND DON'T THINK I'M CRAZY BECAUSE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE TRYING TO HELP ANIMALS THERE ARE A LOT OF MORE PEOPLE COUNTING ON YOU AND I'LL SAY THIS ONE MORE TIME DO NOT LITTER! OK WELL BYE

Submitted by Kara at: May 22, 2009
how could anyone do such a thing to those poor, helpless animals? they are going to be scared for life because of those selfish money-makers.

Submitted by All Animal Lover at: May 22, 2009
You CAN do more. Call your local animal shelter and volunteer your home as a foster home until some of these animals can be adopted. Easy for everyone to stand back and judge. Hello people. Times are tough and many families are having to give up their beloved pets due to loss of their homes. This is causing even more overcrowding in the humane societies and smaller shelters than previous. Foster if you can.

Submitted by Stephanie at: May 22, 2009
WHY?????

Submitted by Cricket at: May 22, 2009
Where is the system of checks and balances here? Are there no inspections or visits being done? Contracts are not written once and never looked at again, they are generally renewed. Obviously the deterioration in care has taken time to get like this so again I ask...were there no visits or inspections? The owner clearly started out with good intentions and I am sure she did the best she could when it all started but it is shameful that she did not speak up when things got bad. To neglect and abuse animals that were rescued from neglect and abuse under the guise of "good intentions" is inexcusable. People need to learn to put away their pride and ask for help when they need it. This need not ever have happened. Seriously...is your ego more valuable than a life?

Submitted by KatSkratch at: May 22, 2009
DCHS is not high profile and doesnt get the funding you might be lead to believe. The fact of the matter is that donations and volunteer work has been way down for quite some time, and they arent getting the necessary funding. DCHS just went through a major lay off of their employees because of this. Less staff means less care for the overwhelming number of animals. It ended up that they where having to put down animals they wouldnt have had too previously simply because th e money wasnt there. There isnt any news on the subject, but I know for a fact that DCHS is dangerously near having to close...

Submitted by Vicki at: May 22, 2009
It goes beyond my comprehension how anyone can inflict pain or mistreat a helpless animal. I do not understand the type of person who can live with him or herself mistreating an animal. We must all come together and do what we can for these beautiful creatures God put on this Earth for our enjoyment and companionship. An animal can teach you alot about yourself and about life. Wake up all those who mistreat animals go pick on someone your own size !

Submitted by CG at: May 22, 2009
I have an "odd" question. If this place held the County contract to hold animals, no police, animal control...EVER visited the place? Seems to be some responsibility of the County here for dropping the ball...

Submitted by Nancy P at: May 22, 2009
To Jackie - I personally did not know anything about the Thyme and Sage Ranch until after 1st hearing about the animals being rescued from there. Today was the 1st time that I was able to see any actual pictures of a few of the animals that had been kept there. It is so obvious that these poor dogs were severely neglected and abused. The ASPCA and the Humane Society are made up of very dedicated people and have better things to do than go out on "witch hunts" as you have suggested. Just because the Thyme and Sage Ranch call themselves a sanctuary, doesn't mean they are one. You also stated that they are a no kill shelter. They might not have killed any dogs outright, but they are slowly killing some of these dogs by neglect. Also, I wouldn't call a shelter with over 300 animals a small shelter.

Submitted by Kris Nesheim at: May 21, 2009
Just be glad the the animals got out. we have been trying to shut down a so called santuary but since it's licensed by the Illinois dept. of agriculture nothing ha happened abd it;s been over a year. Nobody will help us get the animals out. /some have been in cages since puppies ten years. so be happy these poor creatures got out and please help closepetrescue.blogspot.com

Submitted by Tom at: May 21, 2009
Who would have thought that the wonderful people at the ASPCA would remove a comment from someone who is skeptical of their programs?

Submitted by Ivette Martinez at: May 21, 2009
Animals should be taking good care of and be loved for they ere put amonge this earth with us. They are lovable ceurious and funny. They are also a company to one. I for once love cats plus dogs, I'am a cat lover especialy black cats. I have one and I love him to death he is so spoiled he thinks he is a person, but I treat him like one. So I hope that this animal cruelty comes to an end once and for all. PS They need all the love and care.

Submitted by A FRIEND at: May 21, 2009
This is a very unfortunate story, someone who started out with the best intentions to help animals in need. Whatever lead to this outcome, it must of been so overwhelming that help wasn't requested until it was too late. I hope lessons have been learned here and that all others in animal rescue and care take heed. The lives out our beautiful animal companions cannot be sacrficed like this no longer. Further shutting down of Puppy Mills has to continue...this can not be allowed to continue!! Put the welfare of the innocent animals first!!!!

Submitted by christi chapman at: May 21, 2009
I think there is a bigger issue out here than just this one incident. The puppy mills are the root of the problems. They are churning out dogs at an alarming rate for profit- which in turn is overcrowding our shelters and defeating the point to spay and neuter clinics. They are causing our systems to become overloaded and then situations like this occur! I am in rescue- how to turn an animal in need away? There are only 2 of us at my location- the shelter has asked us to take in animals when I am completely full and said that if i don't chances are the very healthy and young puppy being surrendered with be put down because it has the misfortune to be a Pit Bull or other breed that is misunderstood. So I take them in, spend more money I do not have to feed and care for them, and quality of the conditions does become less because I have less time to spend cleaning kennels, walking dogs, socializing them, training or just plain spending good time with them! Adoptions are down- it is a fact of the economy- and surrenders are up! Solutions- shut down puppy mills, and volunteer to help at your local shelter or with a local rescue group! If you can't be involved with the animals, try helping raise funds, donate some cleaning or a dinner to the volunteers who spend hours and hours and do not even have time to clean their own house or cook so cold cereal is the main meal-raise awareness and help publicize the animals, and most of all- do not buy a designer dog! There are tons of them available for adoption nationwide! I am not condoning what has happened in this circumstance- not personally involved- just advocating for change EVERYWHERE!

Submitted by Patty at: May 21, 2009
I think that the people that had the animals that they mistreated shouldn't never be able to own any animals every again and that they should do them the same way that they done the animals. I believen in loving animals not abuseing them because they are just like us because they have feelings just like a human and we are just about the same because we have to eat,sleep,play, and work, and the only differences between them and us is that we all do it different. I will say this if I ever see anyone mistreating an animal I will take it from them and do them the same way as they are doing them and to make them see how it feels to be mistreated.

Submitted by Stefanie at: May 21, 2009
There is no excuse for this treatment. It is awful that the people running this didnt feel guilty or see an issue with the conditions in these pictures. If there were an ASPCA shelter established in my area i would go to work there in a heartbeat. I would love to be part of what the ASPCA does because I love animals. When we find strays in our area we take them off the street and find a shelter to take them so they can be cared for and not get injured.

Submitted by Glenna at: May 21, 2009
I love my dog and cat, they are my children, my husband and I both swear if we ever hit the lottery or come into any money we are going to buy land, lots and lots of acreage, build a house on it, fence it all in and rescue all the animals we can. We have so much LOVE for them we just wish we could do it now. My sister has been such a big inspiration on us because this is what she started doing 15 years ago, and now hwr daughter is following her footsteps. Each and every one of her pets are vaccinated and are sterile. We were raised in a family knowing that if we were to get a pet it would be our responsabilty to care and love them throughout their lives.

Submitted by Dog Lover at: May 21, 2009
To Jackie-Perhaps you should have gone & visited Thyme & Sage then, or just look at the pictures. We have been trying to shut her down for over a year, FOR the animals. I'm not affiliated with Dane Cty humane society or ASPCA. They do it for the animals, they are #1. You should see it the same way. We don't do it for publicity, we do it for the animals. They needed help, she wasn't a rescue, a shelter, or sanctuary and the dogs there were sick, dying, & full of diseases. I know. Perhaps you should go to her hearing tomorrow-she adopted dogs out that died of parvo within days, she adopted out dogs w/giardia & coccidia...nice conditions. I have photos that she posted on petfinder of dogs sitting next to their waterbowls...they were filled with feces. That is not a rescue. THANK GOD the ASPCA came to their rescue.

Submitted by Bip at: May 21, 2009
I have been to this shelter, and I observed multiple families adopting healthy, previously- abandoned dogs. I saw a steady stream of pets being taken home by very happy families. My guess is that the quantity of animals sent there just got overwhelming. I think Jackie is pretty much on target with her comments here, and to suggest that the owner has "mental health issues" and should "rot in hell" is completely ignorant.

Submitted by Charlie's Mom at: May 21, 2009
To Jackie: I think you are missing the point. In situations like these, the intentions of the shelter hardly matter. If animals are being harmed, neglected and abused, it is irrelevant whether this facility was a puppy mill, shelter or so called sanctuary. The animals needed to be saved. The ASPCA has made it part of their mission to protect anmials from abuse and their scope is national. Although the ASPCA may be better funded than most rescue orgnizations, they certainly have no incentive to run around the country pointing fingers at people and shelter who are taking good care of animals. They step in where needed and I for one am very thankful that they do. Of course, it is easy for shelters to become overwhelmed and very hard for them to deal with the vast number of unwanted homeless animals. Perhaps the people involved in running Thyme and Sage truly cared about animals and just became overhwlemed and overcrowded (although that is by no means clear to me). Despite that possibility, animals suffered on their watch and for that they are culpable. Three cheers for the ASPCA.

Submitted by Jackie at: May 21, 2009
If you really want to help then get out and volunteer and donate to your local smaller shelters. They are the ones who really need your help. ASPCA and the Dane County Humane society are high profile and get a lot of funding, donations and volunteers already. It is the smaller shelters like Thyme and Sage that are in need of help. What I would like to know is why the ASPCA did not help the situation and work with the rescue rather than just pointing the finger and closing it down, when the shelter was helping dogs finding dogs homes that were abandoned and from puppy mills. Thyme and Sage ranch is not a puppymill operation. This is a no kill animal shelter.

Submitted by leslie at: May 21, 2009
thid just breaks my hear i wish i could do more for these animals that are treat so inhumanly,these people should be kept in dirty no food or water or love and ignored lets see how they like it!!

Submitted by Jane at: May 21, 2009
THANK YOU!

Submitted by Jackie at: May 21, 2009
I think this bogus! I really wish the ASPCA would use their money to shut down all the puppy mills in Wisconsin, rather than shutting down a shelter that was trying to help animals. So, now all the animals get sent to Dane County where they will be euthanized. Then Dane county gets all the publicity for being such great "Heroes" I think this is just a witch hunt. Don't always believe what you read in papers and see on TV. They are only giving you a very small view of this situation.

Submitted by gomez at: May 21, 2009
i feel very sorry for dogs cat and ect that people are very heartles i have a rotter and his name is rock and i want to thank you aspca for all you are doing for the dogs cat and ect

Submitted by Tracy at: May 20, 2009
Please - donate as much as you can afford to the ASPCA! I can only give $15 a month, but if we all get together and donate even a little, the ASPCA would be better able to help these poor animals. And thank you to the ASPCA for helping!!!

Submitted by Dog Friend at: May 20, 2009
I have a friend who was deployed to the location. After she left and the story broke I spoke to her by phone I could tell how horrible the conditions were by the sound of her voice. We work together at our local no-kill shelter and fight every day to make sure that we provide the best care for our animals, as a shelter should. Kudos to all the men and women who responded to make sure this suffering ended.

Submitted by elsie at: May 20, 2009
sick cruel and heart breaking are the only words i think of when hearin this story

Submitted by Kristi at: May 20, 2009
Unfortunately, this case and others like it are all too common. There are people with a mental health issue that become "pet collectors" and think they are helping the animals and somehow cannot see how they are contributing to the problem--taking the pet from a bad situation and actually putting it in a worse situation. There are far too many huge puppy mills in Wisconsin, also. When will this stop?

Submitted by cassie at: May 20, 2009
It breaks my heart to see situations like this still occur. Im so happy an thankful for all the kind people who help better these poor conditions.

Submitted by Lisa at: May 20, 2009
This is becoming more and more common -- puppy profiteers posing as rescues when in reality they're brokers or trying to make a buck off people who want to help a dog in need. Petfinder doesn't have any way to stop them from listing on their site, apparently, because I've reported many. Nuyer beware. Adopter beware.

Submitted by Lisa in Milw at: May 20, 2009
What they need to do is take the owners of these puppy mills or those that allow the animals to get in this condition and throw these PEOPLE in cages, with no water, food, no haircuts / shaves, or toilets. Let them sleep dirty and in their own urine/feces - see how they like it.

Submitted by Nancy Brandt at: May 20, 2009
This is just hearbreaking. Look into those faces and you will see the misery they were forced to endure. May the person who did this rot in hell.

Submitted by Kelly Emerick at: May 20, 2009
This is absolutely terrible and broke my heart! The fact that they are calling this place a sanctuary is outrageous! My wishings, gratitude, and blessing go out to all the volunteers who are able to offer their help to these animals =)

Submitted by Fayye at: May 20, 2009
i am an animal lover! i have 3 dogs and a cat that i absolutly love! i have a great dane named patches a saint bernard named teddy and a bulldog named tank and my cats name is rosie and to even think about someone hurting a poor defenceless creature who does nothing but love sicknens me. do they even think about the animal. the animal is going to know nothing but fear and violence and will never beable to trust someone again the person who did this should be asamed and disgraced!

Submitted by Linny at: May 20, 2009
i am outraged by this. its so sad. and who ever did this so be put in jail for a long long time. i cant belive that that people find it amusing to put dogs against eachother and make the dogs hurt eachother it makes me sick! And i love dogs and cant even imagine that people would hurt them. anyone who has ever abused a dog sickens me!

Submitted by Cristina at: May 20, 2009
i cant belive this! i am 12 years old and i love animals any kind and i want to become an animal cop i think it would be such a cool job. my friends dog got attacked by a pitbull who was said to be a fighting dog!

Submitted by Tom at: May 20, 2009
What do you want to bet that the real story is that the Thyme and Sage Ranch just rescued a bunch of animals from somewhere else?

Submitted by Elsie at: May 20, 2009
why wouold any on do that it makes so upset that any human being could do that and still me able to live with themselves thank you aspca for doing what your doing those poor puppies do not deserv that they dont want anything but love this kid of stuff infuriates me!!

Submitted by Anonymous at: May 20, 2009
this story made me cry how mean

Submitted by steph at: May 20, 2009
I can not understand thesoul of one who could do this to animals that only want to love and be our companions...thank God for the move to prevent this kind of abuse.

Submitted by Daniel at: May 20, 2009
Good job aspca keep up the good job and I hope the people who did what they did to the animals in the pictures get whats comming to them (hopefully long jailtime with big fines). I feel in my opinion, there is no reason to be so cruel to a animal that wants only the basics of food and water and a place to sleep and some love.

Submitted by Amy at: May 20, 2009
Thank you ASPCA for coming to their rescue; we've been pleading with Richland Cty to do something for OVER 1 YR and they have turned their back on these animals and done nothing, the County had a contract to send her stray dogs. THANK you for ending their misery and the future misery of others!!!

Submitted by Anonymous at: May 20, 2009
This is so sad i very much want to help. It just kills me to see them like this.

Submitted by mariah at: May 20, 2009
how would someone do this dont they have a heart.

Submitted by madison at: May 20, 2009
i wish i could help these animals so bad.its just so mean how people would hurt poor inicent creatures they did nothing to us.

Submitted by Vanessa at: May 20, 2009
I wish I could do something anything to help these animals, I live is South America and I see the commercials of the work that this group do and I just want to say KEEP IT UP, I'm glad someone is there for these animals, GREAT JOB

Submitted by Wendy at: May 20, 2009
Not only are there bad breeders but there are bad rescue's. This is why you need to look at the whole picture. You should not get a pet sight unseen, EVER!NEVER get a pet from a pet store. Rescue is great but do your homework or you could be supporting "rescue" groups like this!

Submitted by Jeff at: May 20, 2009
I wish I was qualified to work for the ASPCA, I would really enjoy putting these dirtbags behind bars, though I would probably not be able to restrain myself if I saw this first hand!

Submitted by cinnarose at: May 20, 2009
This is why you should always check out your breeder before purchasing. Ask to see the facility. Or better yet, don't purchase animals.

Submitted by Mardy at: May 20, 2009
Animals are not deserving of this treatment but the people who continually mistreat these creatures are very deserving. Punishment for humans and I use that term loosely-needs to be equal to the punishment they have placed on these animals.

Submitted by Holly at: May 20, 2009
I just purchased a puppy there 2 wks ago. The place seemed alright. Of course we only saw the puppies and not the adult dogs. I can't even imagine how she could have done this to them. My heart breaks for these animals and I wish I would have saw some signs.

Submitted by Jennifer at: May 20, 2009
How terrible this is. This is no sanctuary, it's a prison

Submitted by gary at: May 20, 2009
so so sad