Media Release From: Denise M. Moloney Community/Media Relations Manager, 352-797-3609 Re: UPDATE - Deputies Investigate Mistreatment of Animals Date: August 11, 2014 Update Deputy James Adkins continues to maintain contact with Deborah Meinhardt regarding the condition of her horses. On 08-07-14 Deputy Adkins received information that all five of Meinhardt’s horses were moved to a drier location on the property and had been evaluated by a veterinarian and a Ferrier. The veterinarian made medical recommendations regarding each horse and advised Meinhardt to increase the amount of feed that each horse was receiving. Deputy Adkins returned to the property and completed an “order of care,” which is an agreement between the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and Deborah Meinhardt, requiring her to follow up on the recommendations made by the veterinarian. The order of care also requires her to allow deputies access to her property to check on the status of the horses at least once per week. Meinhardt has complied with all requests thus far in the investigation. If at any time the medical condition of any horse(s) declines or Meinhardt becomes non-compliant in any way, the horses will be seized by the Hernando County Sheriff’s livestock deputy. In situations like this, our priorities are education followed by compliance. We can always escalate our response if necessary to protect the well-being of the animal(s). We are pleased with the progress in this case. Original Information On 08-01-14 deputies were called to 5251 Oney Drive in Brooksville regarding an animal complaint. Upon arrival, deputies met with a female who advised that she was concerned that five horses on the property were not being cared for properly. Deputy James Adkins (livestock deputy) responded to the portion of the property where the horses were kept to inspect both the horses and their living conditions. Upon inspection, the deputy observed the horses to be underweight and to have what appeared to be some medical issues. The deputy noted that all horses did have water and feed bowls. The deputy also noted there was plenty of fresh feed (in bags) and hay available on the property. The deputy made contact with the owner of the animals, Deborah Lynn Meinhardt, by telephone as she was at work in Tampa. She provided information on each horse and advised that she is attempting to rehabilitate the horses and “it is taking some time to put weight back on them.” Meinhardt was unable to advise the last time the horses had seen a veterinarian. Deputy Adkins issued Meinhardt five citations for mistreatment of animals due to the condition of the horses. The citations are $1,000 each. The horses were left on scene. Meinhardt was directed by Deputy Adkins to seek veterinary care for the horses within 48 hours. While on scene, deputies observed numerous cats and dogs on the property. An Animal Services Officer (ASO) was requested to evaluate the situation with the domestic animals. It was determined that the dogs and cats were not vaccinated. The ASO cited Meinhardt for same. On 08-05-14 deputies and the ASO responded back to Oney Drive to inspect the condition of the animals and to determine if a veterinarian had been summoned to the property to treat the animals. Deputies determined that Meinhardt complied with the directive and a veterinarian had been to the property to treat all of the animals (horses, dogs and cats). The investigation is ongoing, and there is no additional information available at this time. On 08-05-14 the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office received numerous calls regarding animal abuse at this location due to photos that were maliciously placed on a social media site. The person(s) responsible for placing the photos advised that horses were being abused and that the owner was giving them away for free. That is also under investigation.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 20:46:35 +0000