Illinois: 19 horses seized (Woodstock, McHenry County)
This story is another where I’m not certain these horses needed to be “saved” by the authorities. Maybe more information will be brought to light.
If this person is such a horrible abuser, why would they allow her to have horses back if she pays a “ransom” for care she cannot supervise or participate in?
In many cases, owners relinquish their rights to their property only because they cannot pay the costs that authorities claim are necessary, NOT out of an admission of guilt or because they cannot provide adequate care. I’ve seen these charges climb into over one hundred thousand dollars … few average owners incur the kind of costs that are trumped up by authorities in their bid to make it nearly impossible for even the innocent to regain possession of their animals.
Owner gives up all but 3 horses to authorities [link]
Jillian Duchnowski | March 18, 2009WOODSTOCK — A Woodstock-area woman accused of animal neglect signed over all but three of the 19 horses county authorities removed from her farms.
Jeannine Lawler-Benz, 43, of 612 N. Rose Farm Road, initially agreed to relinquish seven horses Tuesday before realizing that she could not afford the security money she would have to post for the others’ care while her case is pending. So she agreed to relinquish five more.
“The only reason I gave them up was because I couldn’t afford [the security money,]” said Lawler-Benz, who disputes that she was not properly caring for the horses.
Lawler-Benz already had relinquished her right to four horses that authorities removed from her care Jan. 2. Authorities euthanized a quarter horse named Billy because of his poor condition. They removed 17 other horses from two farms Jan. 22, only to return two that belonged to her ex-husband the same day.
Prosecutors initially asked Judge James Cowlin to permanently remove 15 horses but ultimately pursued money for the horses’ care over the next 30 days. They asked for $8 a day per horse, plus $498 for veterinary care.
If Lawler-Benz doesn’t post the $1,218 within five business days, she forfeits her right to the remaining three horses, one of which she said belonged to someone else.
Authorities are trying to contact the other possible owner and to find new homes for the relinquished animals, Assistant State’s Attorney Jamie Rein said. For information about adopting the animals, call McHenry County Animal Control at 815-459-6222.
Lawler-Benz disputes that the horses were not being fed properly. On Jan. 6, a county veterinarian examined the 15 horses seized Jan. 22 and determined that two were underweight. The rest rated three, an “ideal” weight on a scale of one to five, according to a sheriff’s affidavit filed Jan. 30.
Lawler-Benz said she was told that at least two of the horses seized Jan. 2 rated a “one,” but she disputes that they were underweight.
She attributed one of the “two” ratings to broken teeth that made eating difficult. She began feeding that horse a mash and keeping him in a stall after the evaluation and said he had been gaining weight.
Billy, who was put down, suffered with a nervous-system infection commonly referred to as EPM that caused his weight to fluctuate, Lawler-Benz said.
Lawler-Benz faces 20 misdemeanor charges related to at least seven horses. Her case is next due in court May 21.
These people are given a short period of time to come up with whatever money the authorities deem necessary to charge for the “care” of the animals seized or they lose ownership. That doesn’t seem right. Why not leave the animals in the care of the owner, and make unannounced visits to check on their welfare? Why add these costs to the taxpayer’s burden?
Have you seen a horse afflicted with EPM? When they’re “down” they look horrible. But it can often be managed. I know people who care for horses with EPM, and it is an expensive treatment, not always effective. Should all horses with EPM be euthanized? Surely not. For those with a sick horse and several healthy horses, though, it could mean losing their entire herd should someone report a “skinny” horse to authorities.
Actually, I personally have known this woman for a few years. I don’t think that she is guilty of abuse per say, but neglect for sure. It is not the first time. I have seen horses that she owned in the past and there ALWAYS seemed to be an excuse for their weight and condition. She is a dishonest person. Search her name on the internet. It will be interesting what you find. From running a bogus raffle to benefit her “Theraputic Riding Program” that never existed to theft of horses, and multiple arrests. Look her up in the state of wisconsin. There are PAGES of criminal record. She has NO business owning any animal. As a matter of fact, I know a neighbor of hers on one woodstock farm. They told me a story of a few years back when a DEAD horse lay in the pasture for days before she removed it. Or a story she personally told me of her horse that had a piece of metal shed fall on it and almost completly sever its leg. She kept the horse alive because she does not believe in euthinasia and thought it should die naturally. So she let it bleed to death. This story came from HER MOUTH! But nothing wrong with this, right??? This woman is SICK!!!
I also have personally known this person for several years, and I know her to be a liar, a cheat, a scam artist, and somehow the eternal victim. She was being watched - she was warned months ago of the condition of the horses, and what did she do to rectify the situation? She has held horses hostage from their owners, she has been sued by just about anyone she has come in contact with, and yet always manages to escape any jail time. I was disappointed, to say the least, that the felony charge was dropped. These horses are much better off away from her, I for one hope that she does not raise this money. Perhaps the authorities know what they are doing this time in keeping these animals from her. She’s an animal collector, not an animal lover.
She kept her animals at my grandpas woodstock farm ( Where I personally walked in the arena to ride… to find a dead horse lying in the arena, where it stayed for days.. if not a week) I always fed the horses when i was there, and gave them water. After she left there, a while later in november/december of 07 i believe.. she started “leasing” the huge 5million dollar place in richmond. She called me, told me i could keep my horses there for free, and get paid to work for her! I of course took this opportunity.. I then saw how crazy she really was!!! I cannot begin to describe how horrible she is.. She is an animal collector, and baby obsessed. She would go to the auctions and buy pregnant mares, but yet couldnt afford her rent, nor feeding the horses she was boarding/owned herself. I ended up quitting.. she stiffed me out of alot of money then had the nerve to call me a horse abuser, and was threatening me about calling the humane society on me.. REALLY? I have a 25yr old t.b that looks like hes 15. My horses are my #1 priority and thats how it always will be!