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Vinton County 2004 Cruelty Case In April 2004, the Ohio SPCA alerted the Vinton County Sheriff's Dept. to a horrendous situation at the residence of Pat and Kathy Wilson. The decomposing bodies and skeletons of animals were scattered around the property. Many of the animals still alive were living in filth, lacked adequate shelter, and/or sufficient quantities of wholesome food and water. Despite the obvious neglect and starvation and prior animal cruelty charges, the handling of this case and the final outcome have been anything but adequate from the initial investigation by the sheriff's dept. to the final judgement. All of the animals should have been seized and additional charges filed!
May 10, 2004 Ohio SPCA was informed today that despite Dr. Gail Counts' recommendation, Vinton County Prosecutor Tim Gleeson does not intend to ask the court to issue an order for all animals to be removed from the Wilson property. This is based on "improvements" that Sheriff Hickey observed earlier today on the property. However, Prosecutor Gleeson wouldn't provide Teresa Turner, Ohio SPCA Director, with the details regarding these so-called improvements. Did the Wilsons demonstrate an effort at improvements last August, too? At that time, charges on at least one miniature pony, a horse, and two mules were dropped. The violations in those charges have clearly continued to exist. Ohio SPCA has received pictures of the starving mules when charges were filed and dropped in August 2003 (pictures below). A pattern of behavior can easily be established in the Wilson case in addition to the horrific conditions on the property, numerous dead animals, and obvious violations of the ORC regarding food, water, and shelter observed on several occasions. Sheriff Hickey stated that his department has received numerous complaints about the animals on the Wilson property. The question posed by several humane officers throughout Ohio has been the same asked by the general public and media reporters, "Why have only two animals been removed?" Dr Counts' question: Why did they decide to leave the others there? This is not a question that Ohio SPCA can answer considering what has taken place over a long period of time regarding the animals at the Wilson home. The action taken thus far has not been adequate considering the violations and the suffering these animals have been subjected to. There is no justifiable reason to allow the current animals to be the next ones to die (as the mules and horse were allowed to). Ohio SPCA remains ready to assist Sheriff David Hickey and Prosecutor Tim Gleeson with documentation, photos, and removal of the animals. Ohio SPCA is determined to be "Ohio's Voice for the Animals." We are asking that Vinton County Officials join our effort and prevent such needless suffering and death of animals in their county by enforcing the Ohio Revised Code. May 5, 2004 Ohio SPCA removed a steer and a sow from the Wilson property. These animals were transported to a temporary foster home. Although Karen Wrightsel, was not permitted on the property, we were informed of the conditions of the animals by the individual fostering the steer and sow. The animals did not have food or water except for dogs. Their water was described as being stagnant and unfit to drink. After their arrival to remove the animals, Kathy Wilson began watering and feeding (as she did on our previous visit). The individual fostering is very knowledgeable about farm animals and the conditions needed for proper care. The grain being fed was described as being old. Additionally, the other two pigs appeared to be underweight and living on concrete in a small area. This individual felt that the goats were too thin. The dog that was locked in the red horse trailer on Saturday, May 1, was locked in the trailer again (still?). May 4, 2004 Traveling down a remote narrow road in Vinton County, not unlike many in this part of the state, is the scene of one of Ohio's worst cases of animal neglect and cruelty ever recorded. Following a tip by a concerned citizen, Teresa Turner, Director of the Ohio Humane Education Association (Ohio SPCA), responded to allegations that animal carcasses could be seen all around the property of Pat & Kathy Wilson. "It was much worse than I had expected", stated Turner after visiting the site Saturday, May 1. Turner along with Ross County resident, Karen Wrightsel, Vinton County Sheriff Dave Hickey and veterinarian, Gail Counts of Shawnee Animal Clinic in Portsmouth, OH, inspected the property. Following their inspection, charges were drawn up and the husband and wife were arrested May 4th. Both individuals were charged with 3 counts of cruelty and neglect. The court ordered 2 animals seized, a steer and a sow. Ohio SPCA is hoping that additional charges will be filed. Numerous livestock were discovered on the property including: goats, cattle, ponies, hogs, geese, rabbits, dogs and cats. Turner and others walking the property discovered 2 dead mules, a dead horse, dead rams and more. "The dead horse could be seen only 30 feet from the house", Turner said. Those visiting the property noted the odor of death in the air. Other health violations were noted as well. Representatives from the Department of Health are now involved in the case because of environmental health hazards and questionable living conditions. Organizations around Ohio have been asked to assist in placing the remaining animals confiscated on the property. Turner and other animal rescue leaders want to remind the public to report anyone who mistreats or neglects animals in their area. "If someone had followed through in reporting that the horse and mules were starving in December 2003, those animals might be alive today", stated Turner. This is one of the reasons Ohio SPCA is working with Ohio legislators to improve animal cruelty laws. Click on each photo to view larger picture.
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