Brenda Ramthun, owner/operator of the Greene County Animal Farm, was arrested on Thursday May 2nd on a felony bench warrant that alleged 53 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and 1 felony count of aggravated animal cruelty. Ramthun appeared in District Court this morning for her first appearance, and probable cause was established Ramthun was bound over to Circuit Court.
The Honorable Judge Dan Stidham issued Ms. Ramthun a $10,000 bond, in any form. Further conditions of Ms. Ramthun’s bond include the wearing of an ankle monitor until the case is adjudicated, and Ramthun is ordered to not possess nor be within 100 feet of, or own any type of animal.
I know many of you are concerned about the well being of the animals, and many questions have arisen as to why some animals were left on the premises when Ramthun was taken into custody. The issue that we have repeatedly run into during this investigation and subsequent arrest has been animal rescue organizations and facilities being unwilling or unable to assist in the placement of the animals. As noted in the affidavit narrative attached, over 100 animals were found between the two properties in which Ramthun has ties or ownership. Due to the nature of the case, the animals must be kept in a facility until the proper court procedures have taken place. Finding these placements has been next to impossible.
Concerning the health and well-being of the animals that were seized, the initial search warrant was for the seizure of those animals that were known to be in need of immediate medical attention. Upon the execution of that warrant, it was learned by investigators that many of those that were specifically listed to be seized had been moved from the locations, with no known location of their whereabouts. Included in that first round of animals seized was a dog that had serious health issues and that needed treatment for heartworms per the on-site veterinarian that accompanied my investigators. This specific dog was what met the criteria for the felony aggravated animal cruelty charge. Also seized at that time was a pig that had a severe rectal prolapse, and had resorted to walking on its hocks due to its hooves being so overgrown and preventing the pig from walking normally. I am happy to report that this pig is improving everyday and seems to continue recovering in a positive direction.
There have been a few members of the public that have made accusations that after seizing these animals, our intent was to have them euthanized or “put down”. Obviously in cases like this, sometimes it is medically necessary due to the severity of the animal’s health. However, euthanizing healthy, viable animals would be completely counterproductive to our mission of protecting those that cannot protect or speak for themselves. Unfortunately, the dog mentioned above was on the veterinarian’s exam table being treated when it became unresponsive. When efforts to fully revive the dog failed, the veterinarian euthanized the dog out of medical, and humane, necessity.
My office, and my deputies, take all cases seriously and will do our best to take care of all of our residents, both two-legged and four-legged.
- Sheriff Brad Snyder
