WKBT La Crosse, WI-NewsChannel 8-Humane Society Takes in Animals Rescued from Richland County Shelter

Humane Society Takes in Animals Rescued from Richland County Shelter

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The Coulee Region Humane Society is caring for several animals recently rescued from an unsanitary Richland County shelter.

Animal welfare groups and law enforcement officers executed a search warrant May 19 at the Thyme and Sage Ranch in Cazenovia owned by Jennifer Petkus.

Over two days, representatives from the Dane County Humane Society (DCHS), Humane Society of the United States, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, American Humane Association, and Richland County Sheriff's Department found hundreds of animals housed in poor conditions, all in need of medical attention.

374 animals were removed from the property, including 311 dogs and 23 horses.

Dr. Rick Lord, the staff veterinarian for Sheboygan County Humane Society, was one of many humane society employees and veterinarians on site to assist with medical needs.

"In my years of practice, I've seen some pretty bad things, but I've never seen so many dogs in one place in such bad shape," Dr. Lord says. "Many of them were really suffering."

Petkus has pleaded not guilty to 16 misdemeanor counts, including 10 counts of intentionally mistreating animals at the shelter.

About 200 dogs were taken to 14 Wisconsin humane societies from the Thyme and Sage Ranch.

The Coulee Region Humane Society (CRHS) has five of the dogs in their care. They received health exams, continued medical treatment, food and bedding.

Three of the five dogs will be available for adoption beginning June 5. The dogs at the shelter include:

Tin Man (AKA Tinny) - a Standard Poodle/Labrador cross, 3 - 4 years old, neutered male.  Tinny has significant dental disease so his new family will need to see him through this.  He is described as a happy, affectionate dog who loves to run, jump, and play. He "dances" when he plays ball with you and seems as though he'd make a terrific companion for any family.

Dorothy - a Shih Tzu, approximately 7 years old, female.  Dorothy has significant dental disease so her new family will need to see her through this.  She also has an ear infection that is currently being treated.  Dorothy is a tiny, precious girl who has spent her life being used just for breeding (at one time she was owned by a breeding facility, also known as a puppy mill, in Missouri). She has a remarkable personality and is looking for a calm adult owner so she can learn to trust the world. 

Glinda - a Shih Tzu, approximately 7 years old, female.  Glinda has a condition called "small eye", though this is not believed to cause her any discomfort.  Glinda is a sweet, innocent girl who has spent her life being used just for breeding (at one time she was owned by a breeding facility, also known as a puppy mill, in Missouri). She is a gentle girl and is just learning to trust us. She will make a loving companion to someone whose patience will allow her to learn about life.

Munchkin, one of the other two dogs received at CRHS, is in need of extensive medical attention and therefore is not yet available for adoption.  A local veterinarian has volunteered to provide for her medical needs.  The CRHS wants to make sure she is on the road to recovery after receiving this medical attention before making her available for adoption.  Munchkin is a female Terrier cross, approximately 5 years old.  She is a gentle soul who has endured quite a bit.  When she is ready to begin her adoption journey, she will need a home that is quiet, with adults only, so she can make a peaceful recovery and build a relationship with her new owner.  Anyone interested in adopting Munchkin can contact the CRHS to be placed on an interested party list.

Oz: The CRHS will be working with other animal rescue groups only for Oz, one of the other two dogs.  He is in need of rehabilitation for many different behaviors before he can begin the process of looking for a home where he can thrive.

CRHS is accepting financial donations for the care of these animals in addition to the over 100 dogs, cats, and small animals currently in their care.   The CRHS is also in urgent need of bleach, laundry detergent, dish/bath rags, and hand towels.

Wisconsin has no laws in place to regulate places such as Thyme and Sage Ranch, but a new bill (LRB-2448/2 - Commercial Dog Breeding Licensure Bill) is beign proposed to change this. (Click here to read more about the bill)