Saturday, May 09, 2009
James Van Winkle posted a $10,000 bail bond Friday afternoon after being arrested by the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office in a cruelty to animals case involving 78 dogs seized from his property because of neglect.
Van Winkle and his wife, Barbara Mitchell, who was not arrested, have been accused of operating a puppy mill at their Elm Mott home, with the dogs living in what sheriff’s office chief deputy Randy Plemons described as “deplorable” conditions. Plemons said it was one of the worst cases of animal cruelty the county has seen.
The dogs, primarily Great Pyrenees, rat terriers and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, were taken to the Waco Humane Society.
In a hearing Friday, Justice of the Peace Kristi DeCluitt ordered Van Winkle to pay $10 per day for each dog for eight days, or $6,240, to help defray the cost of the animals’ care. As part of an agreement, Van Winkle forfeited ownership of the dogs.
Tom Ragland, who is representing Van Winkle and Mitchell, said both of his clients are in poor health, adding that “things just got away from them out there.”
Area residents frequently would abandon their dogs at the couple’s home, knowing that they would take them in, Ragland said.
Plemons said that when deputies arrived at the home, up to five dogs were being held in cages meant for rabbits. Feces up to 6 inches high had accumulated in some of the cages, with wet, moldy food nearby.
Karen Froehlich, Waco Humane Society executive director, said the shelter is working with animal rescue groups and the Texas Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for help in dealing with the large number of dogs the shelter received after the raid. She said the Waco Humane Society is overwhelmed by the huge influx of animals in such a short time.
Staff writer Erin Quinn contributed to this article.
Comments
By LISA
May 12, 2009 12:59 PM | Link to this
I just recently found out today that a neighbor of Van Winkle had a burned dog in his drive this morning when he left for work. He took a picture of it for evidence and contacted two news channels... I was extremely disturbed. I am an animal lover and Van Winkle should NEVER own another animal in his life, although his neighbor stated that not all of Van Winkle's dog's were taken; he still owns some of them!!! Something needs to be done to where he will pay for what he has done and will never own another animal... a few days in jail is nothing!!
By teresa
May 11, 2009 11:06 PM | Link to this
I HOPE AND PRAY THAT HE GETS WHAT IS REALLY COMMING TO HIM. THE POOR ANIMALS CANT HELP THEM SELVES ONLY WE CAN HELP THEM. GOD BLESS THE PERSON WHO HAD ENOUGH LOVE IN THEIR HEART TO DO THE RIGHT THING. MAY GOD KEEP THEM IN HIS ARMS. THE PERSON AND ANIMALS.
By NOTEGIRLCLC
May 10, 2009 11:58 PM | Link to this
The sad thing is that I feel guilty. I have driven by that street a dozen times and never knew what was going on.
I'm a huge animal lover. This disgust me! Peta should get involved so they can live the rest of their lives in prison. Thats what they deserve after treating poor animals like that. There is no excuse!!!!!
By Not a fan
May 10, 2009 12:18 AM | Link to this
ýthings just got away from them out there.ý You think? The only thing that "got away" from them was their greed and inhumanity. Did it escape their memory to ASK for help prior to things getting away from them?
Unfortunately, and to their advantage, a HUMANE judicial system will decide their fate. It's the NEXT world they need to worry about. There is no place in hell for people such as this. There is a SPECIAL hell for them. Hopefully, it's full of hungry Pit bulls and Rottweilers. I donýt think the Trib would print the punishment I personally see fit.
Please volunteer time, supplies, donate food, donations, etc., to assist our Humane Society in caring for these creatures, for surely they must be overwhelmed.
By To disgusted
May 9, 2009 9:32 PM | Link to this
I personally believe there is a special place in Hell for people like this.
By disgusted
May 9, 2009 7:15 PM | Link to this
I cannot understand how people can be so cruel to animals, though cruelty may not have been their intention. You hear more and more about these things all of the time, it is truly sad. My heart goes out to those poor animals.
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