By Dewayne Holloway
MontgomeryCounty News
NORMAN – Concerns raised by area residents has led to the arrest of five Montgomery County residents in relation to an alleged animal cruelty case involving over 100 dogs, cats, and other animals.
Residents along Liberty Road south of Norman began raising concerns about possible inadequate care of animals at a residence on Liberty Road over a week ago. An investigation by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the rescue of dozens of animals and the arrest of five individuals under the suspicion of cruelty to animals.
In a statement released by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Neal Thomas stated that the search warrant was served Thursday, May 295 on a 40-acre tract of land located outside the Norman community. The search warrant was in relation to the allegations of animal cruelty.
The five individuals arrested include: Janice Voerster, 53; Jennifer Goodwin, 32; Randy Hassen, 61; Donald Bates, 74; and Ronald Bates, 74, all of Norman.
All five are being held on a $1,000 bond under suspicion of animal cruelty, a class A misdemeanor. Hassan also is alleged to have been involved in an altercation with a MCSO officer during the execution of the search warrant. He faces one count each of disorderly conduct, a class C misdemeanor, and resisting arrest, a class A misdemeanor.
In a probable cause hearing held Friday in circuit court, Sheriff Thomas testified that there were two locations involved in the search. One location was located on Smith Creek Road and the other on Liberty Road. Both locations included multiple structures.
Sheriff Thomas testified that over 100 dogs were located on the two properties with some roaming loose while others were caged, chained or housed in one of the structures. He described the conditions as uninhabitable with several animals visibly malnourished, covered in mud and feces, ticks and fleas.
He described one group of dogs located in a small kennel so small the dogs were unable to stand up in the kennel. The water bowl was filled with a dirty liquid that he state he couldn’t identify as water.
Thomas testified that the floors and furnishings in the living structures were covered in several inches of feces with excessive trash in the residences. He also stated that the remnants of deceased animals were also located in some of the residences.
Several volunteers gathered at the location to help in the rescue of animals. The MCSO statement reported that authorities seized over 100 dogs, along with numerous pigs, chickens, ducks, sugar gliders, guinea pigs, and cats. All animals were removed and taken into evidence.
Nova Star Rescue of Dover, Ark., spearheaded the extensive animal rescue effort. PAWS of Glenwood was among several other animal rescue organizations to assist in the rescue. Other organizations include: Cuddle Babies, Artemis Project, Jak’s Second Chance Rescue, and Hank’s Rescue.
PAWS of Glenwood reported that they have taken in over 55 dogs, the most of all the organizations.
Sheriff Thomas stated, “I want to personally thank Nova Star Rescue for their incredible leadership and dedication in orchestrating this massive undertaking. Our heartfelt thanks also go out to PAWS of Glenwood, Cuddle Babies, Hank’s Rescue, and all the other Arkansas animal rescue organizations who volunteered their time and expertise. Furthermore, I am immensely proud of and thankful for the numerous community members who worked tirelessly and selflessly in truly filthy conditions to rescue these animals. Their compassion and unwavering commitment to these helpless animals were truly inspiring.”
Sheriff Thomas also extended his appreciation to neighboring law enforcement agencies for their invaluable support. He offered his thanks to Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer and Pike County Sheriff Travis Hill for assisting with Montgomery County patrol efforts while MCSO personnel was focused on this case.
Once rescued, efforts turned to nursing the animals back to health. A local volunteer veterinarian and several veterinarian technicians worked to diagnose and treat the rescued animals quickly.
Many of the animals responded quickly to treatment and most are on the road to recovery.
Rescue efforts have taxed rescue organizations financially with many already near capacity at their locations. PAWS of Glenwood reported on social media that they had to set up off-site quarantine locations to protect the animals already in their care.
Items needed include: paper towels, bleach, sheets, fly strips, bags, sprays, brooms, sharpies and duct tape, non-bleach cleaning sprays, slip leads, puppy food, cat food, litter, dewormer (Safeguard), flea and tick spray, medications, collars, dog food, syringes to administer oral liquid wormer, collars (large/medium), laundry soap, medium towels, gas gift cards, cedar shavings, pee pads, doggie treats (no rawhide please), large stainless steel dishes, latex gloves (medium, large, XL), Dawn liquid detergent, flea and tick shampoos for puppies, Adams flea and tick spray for cats and dogs, foaming dry shampoo with flea and tick protection, step in harnesses, eye cleansers and ointment, ear cleaner/soothing drops, Hot spot treatments, dog grooming/washing mitts, washcloths, kneeling pads/cushions, double and triple A batteries, poop scoop for dog yards, toilet paper, kennel trays for large and XL kennels, small amounts of cat/kitten flea, tick and dewormer, and litter scoops.
They also need volunteers to help with the rescued animals. There are a number of tasks volunteers can do to help with the recovery of the animals.
Visit PAWS of Glenwood’s Facebook page for more information and ways you can help. Contact any of the rescue organizations mentioned if you would like to volunteer or would like to donate to the rescue.
