By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Huntingdon, Tenn.—Volunteers with Animal Rescue Corps are upset with a ruling in Carroll County Circuit Court which reduces the bond for the owners of nearly 150 animals which were rescued last year from a home in Atwood.
The bond originally was set at $391,994, a large portion of which was to help pay for the care of the rescued animals. The court ruling reduces the bond to $50,000, according to Animal Rescue Corps. Officials with the rescue group said they are looking into legal recourse.
Tara Neutzler and Donald Schoenthal of Atwood were indicted on some 300 counts of animal cruelty, aggravated cruelty and two counts of child abuse, neglect and endangerment by the Carroll County Grand Jury earlier this year following the raid on their home which was coordinated by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington-based Animal Rescue Corps.
The animals were found in dire conditions, with several found dead and in cages with live, emaciated animals. The living animals were ailing. Animals found in and around their home included domesticated pets as well as farm and exotic animals. A dead zebra was among those found dead at the home.
The rescue was named “Noah’s Ark”.
While waiting for the court case to move, Animal Rescue Corps has been caring for the animals, including food, shelter, veterinary care and other expenses.
ARC officials are upset with the ruling by Judge Donald Parish.
In a statement released yesterday, ARC officials said, “We are disappointed and dismayed that the Judge has reduced the bond amount to less than $1 per day citing
fairness’ and ‘common sense’. Veterinary care, the cost of running an emergency shelter, food and medicine for nearly 150 sick and abused animals is MUCH greater than $1 per day. Animal Rescue Corps continues to operate at the limits of our financial and human resources on this case since April as it works through the legal system.
“As we shared with you last week, Animal Rescue Corps was tasked by the court to submit a brief on the constitutionality of the law under which the defendants in this case would be held responsible for the financial costs of caring for the seized animals while they are criminally prosecuted for hundreds of counts of felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty.”
ARC officials said, “As all of you know, even your animals at home cost more than $1.00 per day to adequately care for them, even when they are physically well. To rule that a large number of sick and abused animals can be brought back to health and cared for in an emergency shelter environment for this amount per day is not reasonable. The bond set by the judge represents only a small fraction of the expenses and resources that Animal Rescue Corps and our supporters have provided for the care of these animals and to support the legal efforts of Carroll County by providing a humane resource.
Animal Rescue Corps has and continues to operate at the limits of our financial and human resources on this case, which has taken many times longer than any previous case to work through the legal system through no fault of ARC’s. In the next several days, we will be getting the best advice on all possible legal recourse and other options that would ensure these animals continue to receive the best care and rehabilitation possible.”
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