Rescue Diaries
Humane Society of Missouri statement regarding William Zobel guilty plea in Greene County horse rescue case
ST. LOUIS, November 28, 2005 - William Zobel plead guilty this morning to four Class A misdemeanor counts of animal abuse and one Class A misdemeanor count of failure to dispose of an animal carcass and, further, agreed to forfeit ownership of the approximately 120 horses that Greene County authorities confiscated from his rural Republic ranch in January. He was sentenced to five concurrent one-year jail terms, but the execution of those sentences was suspended. He was given two years of unsupervised probation and will not be allowed to own or possess any animal or engage in any business of animal husbandry.
“The Humane Society of Missouri applauds the diligent efforts of the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney’s office regarding this egregious case,” stated Kathryn Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri. “Our goal is to ensure that Mr. Zobel or any individual who abuses animals, large or small, in the state of Missouri is not in a position to again bring harm to another living creature. Because our primary concern is for the welfare of animals, we advocate for the harshest penalties possible as a deterrent to animal abusers.”
The Humane Society is in the process of finding safe, loving homes for the horses that have been in its care. Currently 85 of the horses and resulting foals from this rescue are still available for adoption. Interested individuals may contact Longmeadow Rescue Ranch at 636-583-8759 for further information on adopting these animals.
Background: The Humane Society of Missouri assisted the Greene County Sheriff’s Office in rescuing 120 horses from a 180-acre property belonging to William Zobel outside of Republic, Missouri on January 8, 2005. Many of those horses were starving and sick and several dead horses were found. Zobel was charged with 39 misdemeanor counts of animal abuse, animal neglect and failure to dispose of animal carcasses. The Humane Society of Missouri and Carthage Humane Society took in the confiscated horses and provided care and shelter. The case later went to the Missouri Supreme Court and in July, the high court ruled that the seizure was legal and that Greene County Circuit Court Judge Don Burrell had the authority to let the humane societies adopt out the animals.
Missouri Supreme Court Upholds Trial Court Decision:
Disposition of Rescued Horses to Humane Society of Missouri
ST. LOUIS, July 12, 2005 - In a unanimous decision today, the Supreme Court of Missouri ruled that the trial court, Judge Don E. Burrell, acted within its jurisdiction in ordering the disposition of more than 100 neglected horses rescued from a Republic, Missouri property on January 9, 2005, pursuant to a search warrant. At the request of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, the Humane Society of Missouri and its Longmeadow Rescue Ranch assisted in taking custody of the horses and transporting them to a safe haven.
What is a Disposition Hearing?
Thanks to Missouri state law, animals removed by a law enforcement warrant (such as these horses) are given the benefit of a disposition hearing. Without a disposition hearing, animals removed by a warrant must wait for the case against their owner to go through an often over-crowded court system. These court cases can last months and even years; all the while, the rescued animals are considered evidence in their own case and cannot be adopted. Having to hold rescued animals indefinitely can cause a major financial strain on the non-profit rescue agencies. To remedy this situation, Missouri enacted the use of the disposition hearing, which awards rescued animals either to a animal rescue agency for subsequent adoption or back to the owner; disposition hearings take place after the rescue but before the owner’s criminal trial at which they face animal abuse charges.
Had the January rescue gone as past rescues, the horses would have become property of the Humane Society of Missouri at a hearing in April; the Humane Society of Missouri would then have been able to find homes for the horses. However, the horses’ owner challenged the judge’s ruling and took the case to the Missouri Supreme Court. This legal maneuver added an additional three months to the horses’ stay at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, causing a great strain on Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, both from a financial standpoint and in the number of staff members and volunteers required to care for the 300+ animals at the ranch waiting for adoptive homes.
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"We are pleased with the court’s decision and relieved that these horses will finally have the chance to find caring adoptive situations," said Debbie Hill, Director of Rescues and Investigations for the Humane Society of Missouri. "We are also very thankful for the commitment of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office and the Greene County Prosecutor who have given much time and effort to ensure the welfare of these animals."
"Today’s unanimous ruling is very welcome and is of vital importance for both these horses and all abused and neglected animals rescued in the future," said Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri. "We are gratified that animal laws in the state of Missouri are being upheld and animals are being protected from abuse."
The owner of the 180-acre property outside of Republic, Missouri, has been charged with 38 misdemeanor counts of animal abuse and neglect. These charges are merely allegations; the owner is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The scope of this rescue was monumental. Authorities found six dead animals on the property. Many of the rescued horses were thin to emaciated, with open, oozing wounds and other conditions requiring veterinary attention. There was little to no available pasture and no other sources of food; the only source of water was from melting snow in a small pond. The majority of horses have been cared for at the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, Missouri. The Carthage Humane Society has been caring for about 30 of the horses.
The Humane Society of Missouri hopes to make all healthy animals available for adoption as soon as possible. Persons interested in adopting these or any of the many animals at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch should visit www.longmeadowrescueranch.org or call (636) 583-8759.
Read the Missouri Supreme Court's decision.
(Explicit photos contained; viewer discretion advised.)
DISPOSITION HEARING: Judge Awards Rescued Horses
to Humane Society of Missouri
ST. LOUIS, April 12, 2005 - In a ruling today in Greene County, Missouri, Circuit Judge Don Burrell awarded the Humane Society of Missouri custody of horses that have been in its care since they were rescued January 8, 2005. The Humane Society of Missouri assisted the Greene County Sheriff’s Office in rescuing 120 horses from a 180-acre property outside of Republic, Missouri.
"The ruling today indicates that animal welfare laws in the state of Missouri are being taken seriously and animals are being protected from abuse and neglect," said Debbie Hill, director of Rescues and Investigations for the Humane Society of Missouri. "We sincerely appreciate the diligent work of the Greene County sheriff and prosecutor. Their willingness to pursue the case has ensured that these animals have the chance to recuperate and thrive."
The scope of this rescue was monumental in both the large number of animals rescued and the adverse, muddy and cold conditions under which the rescuers operated. Authorities found six dead animals on the property. Due to their precarious condition, 11 additional horses have died since the rescue. Eighty-one of the horses are being cared for at the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, Missouri. The Carthage Humane Society, which is caring for 28 of the horses from this rescue, was awarded custody of those horses in today’s ruling.
The Humane Society of Missouri plans to continue its extensive rehabilitation efforts to bring each of these horses back to good health and ensure their adoptability. "We plan to immediately pursue adoption options for every horse," said Earlene Cole, director of Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.
Those interested in adopting these or other horses available at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch should call (314) 802-5712 and leave their contact information. Persons who believe they have a claim of ownership on any of the horses in this case should call (314) 951-1516 and leave their contact information to be forwarded to the Humane Society of Missouri’s attorney. Ownership claims will be given due consideration. However, as the horses have now been awarded to the Humane Society of Missouri, all placement decisions will be made at the sole discretion of the Humane Society and in the best interests of each animal.
HEARING IN HORSE CUSTODY CASE ENDS – GREENE COUNTY JUDGE TAKES MATTER UNDER ADVISEMENT
ST. LOUIS, March 1, 2005 - Following three days of testimony in a disposition hearing to determine the fate of more than 100 horses, a Greene County, Missouri judge is taking the case under advisement. Meanwhile, the horses will remain in the custody and care of the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, Missouri and the Carthage Humane Society. The judge did not indicate when he will determine whether the horses will remain with the Humane Societies in Union and Carthage or be returned to the owner.
At the request of the Greene County Sheriff’s Department, the Humane Society of Missouri assisted in rescuing the horses from a property outside of Republic, Missouri on January 8-9, 2005. In a separate criminal case, the owner of the horses, William A. Zobel from Republic, Missouri is charged with nine counts of misdemeanor animal abuse involving the horses.
"Our interest is in the safety and welfare of these horses," said Debbie Hill, Director of Rescues and Investigations, Humane Society of Missouri. "Our goal is to ensure that all the horses receive proper care and treatment."
The scope of this rescue was monumental. Authorities found six dead horses on the property. Many of the 120 horses rescued were thin to emaciated with wounds and other medical conditions requiring veterinary attention. There was no food source found and the only source of water was from melting snow in a small pond.
The Humane Society of Missouri is committed to assisting law enforcement in rescuing abused animals or providing a safe haven for animals in need.
Humane Society of Missouri Spends 13 ½ Hours Rescuing Starving Horses from Greene County property
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Photo courtesy of
Springfield News-Leader |
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 10, 2005 - The Humane Society of Missouri, working in cooperation with the Greene County Sheriff's Office, the Carthage Humane Society and Republic Animal Control, completed a 13 ½-hour rescue early Sunday morning of more than one hundred equine from a 180-acre property outside Republic, Missouri.
The Humane Society of Missouri received a call Friday from the Greene County Sheriff's Office requesting assistance rescuing the animals they suspected were in distress. Many of the animals were thin, some emaciated, with open wounds and other conditions requiring veterinary attention. Investigators found little to no available pasture and no other sources of food. The only available water was collecting from snow melt in a small pond. No other water sources were observed. Six dead equine also were found on the property.
After examining some of the dead and living animals, a private veterinarian on the scene advised that all of the animals were in immediate danger and should be removed. She determined that the equine would not make it through the winter and many were in need of immediate medical attention.
"The scope of this rescue was unprecedented. It required 16 trailer loads; numerous Humane Society of Missouri investigators, medical staff and volunteers; and more than 13 hours to accomplish," says Debbie Hill, director of Rescues and Investigations for the Humane Society of Missouri. "The number and condition of the animals involved, axle-deep mud and working mostly after dark made this one of the most challenging rescues we've ever completed."
Thirteen neediest horses were transported to the Humane Society of Missouri's Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, Missouri, where they are receiving medical evaluation and referral for treatment. The Carthage Humane Society agreed to take 31 of the animals for evaluation and treatment; the remainder is currently temporarily housed near Republic.
On Friday, the owner of the animals was taken into custody by the Greene County Sheriff's office on unrelated charges where he remained until a court appearance today. A warrant for the removal of the animals was issued and served Saturday afternoon. The veterinarian made her examinations shortly thereafter and removal of the animals began at approximately 3 p.m. on Sat, ending at 4:30 a.m. Sunday.
"The logistics of this rescue were monumental," says Hill. "We sincerely thank all those who cooperated to help these animals in distress – the Greene County Sheriff's office, the Carthage Humane Society, Republic Animal Control, the veterinarian and numerous private citizens who responded to our emergency requests for housing and transportation assistance. All involved put in long hours and incurred considerable expense to rescue and care for these animals."
Important Contact Information:
- Report animal abuse/neglect: Phone (314) 647-4400 or e-mail.
- Adopt the rescued horses once they are rehabilitated: Phone (314) 802-5712 or e-mail us.
- Make a financial donation to help offset the rescue costs: Phone (314) 951-1542 or donate securely online.
- Make a donation of hay/grain, farrier (horseshoer), trailer transportation or to foster horses: Phone (314) 951-1516.
- Make claim of ownership on any of the horses in this case: (314) 951-1516
Thank you.
