By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Huntingdon, Tenn.–Protestors who were outside the Carroll Co. Courthouse Monday said they will be back as the case progresses against an Atwood couple charged with hundreds of counts of animal cruelty after their home was raided by the Animal Rescue Corps and the Carroll Co. sheriff’s office in April.
At a hearing today, Jackson Attorney Mike Weinman was appointed to be the Animal Rescue Corps’ local attorney in the case. Paris Attorney Bruce Griffey withdrew from the case. He told WENK/WTPR Monday evening that he could no longer provide representation pro bono due to his caseload and his election activities. Griffey is the Republican nominee for State Representative.
A technical issue is also currently before the court on whether the case is a civil or pre-trial criminal matter.
Tara Neutzler and Donald Schoenthal were indicted earlier on charges of animal cruelty, aggravated cruelty and child abuse after the raid, in which some 150 animals were found in dire conditions, with several found dead and in cages with live, emaciated animals. The animals found in and around the home were domesticated pets as well as farm and exotic animals. A dead zebra was found at the home.
Animal Rescue Corps and other animal rights activists are upset with an earlier ruling by Judge Donald Parish which reduced the bond from $191,994 to $50,000. A large portion of the bond was intended to help pay for the care of the rescued animals, which is being handled by Animal Rescue Corps volunteers.
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