Animal Abuse: Hoarding - 37 dogs, 133 rabbits, more - Springville, WI

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Case ID: 15941

Classification: Hoarding

Animal: cat, dog (non pit-bull), horse, rodent/small mammal (pet), rabbit (pet)

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Hoarding - 37 dogs, 133 rabbits, more
Springville, WI (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009
County: Adams

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 2 files available

Alleged:
» Jesse Kolb
» Tina Kolb

Case Updates: 3 update(s) available

On Wednesday, November 11, at approximately 1:17 p.m., the Adams County Sheriff's Dept. Communication Center received a report of possible animal abuse at 3480 9th Ave. in the Town of Springville.

Further investigation revealed animal neglect of two horses, 37 dogs, seven guinea pigs, one ferret, 13 cats and 133 rabbits. Two owners of the animals, Jess Kolb, 33, and Tina Kolb, 30, were arrested on 10 counts each of Mistreatment of Animals and three counts each of Neglecting a child.

Investigation continues as well as recovery, placement and medical treatment for all animals.

The Sheriff's Department has been assisted by the Adams County Humane Society, the Central Wisconsin Save the Animals Group, Dells Animal Hospital, and the Adams Marquette Veterinary Service.

The Adams County Humane Society is in great need of items and services due to this extreme circumstance. Anyone able to help with food for any of the animals, cleaning supplies, animals bedding and monetary donations should contact the Adams County Humane Society at 608-339-6700 or the Adams County Sheriff's Department at 608-339-3304.

Case Updates

An out-of-court settlement has authorities hoping they can find good homes for nearly 200 animals seized in November.

Tina Kolb, 30, and Jesse T. Kolb, 33, both of the Adams County town of Springville, have agreed to transfer custody of 193 of the 197 seized animals over to the Adams County Humane Society. The animals include dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, horses and a ferret.

"The settlement was agreed to because it was in the best interest of the Adams County Humane Society, Adams County and, most importantly, the animals," said Brenda Merkle, Humane Society president. "Many of these animals will now be available for adoption and will be placed with the best suitable homes."

Dogs, cats, the ferret and guinea pigs are at the Humane Society. The rabbits are being cared for at the Adams County Fair Grounds by 4-H members. All the animals will be spayed or neutered before adoption, Merkle said.

The dogs were thin when they came to the shelter, she said. They are now taken for walks twice a day and are happy, healthy and have good temperaments. However, they're getting restless with the long-term confinement in the kennels. "They really need a family, love, care and attention," Merkle said.

Jesse and Tina Kolb each are charged with three counts of child neglect, 10 counts of animal neglect and 10 counts of failure to provide proper food to a confined animal. If convicted of the 23 misdemeanor charges, each could face more than 17 years in jail. Both previously entered not guilty pleas to the charges and are scheduled for their next court appearance March 17, 2010.

According to the criminal complaint, an Adams County deputy went to the Kolbs' home Nov. 10, 2009 to investigate a report of animal abuse. Upon arrival, the deputy found dogs chained outside with inadequate shelter and no food or water. The dogs' bones could be seen protruding through their skin. Horses also were tied up outside without food or water, and 16-inch-by-26-inch cages contained more than five rabbits each.

Conditions in the house were poor, with feces, piles of clothes and debris throughout the inside, according to the complaint.

Source: Wisconsin Rapids Tribune - January 30, 2010
Update posted on Jan 31, 2010 - 9:48PM

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Charges have been filed against the couple accused of neglecting three children and more than 185 animals.

An Adams County court charged Jess and Tina Kolb of Springville with three counts of neglecting a child, 10 counts of intentionally mistreating animals and nine counts of failure to provide food for an animal.

According to the criminal complaint, investigators went to the Kolb's home and found 37 dogs, 133 rabbits, 13 cats, 2 horses and other small animals uncared for. That's when they discovered three children were also living in the home.

The Adams County Sheriff's Department said the home was covered in animal waste, including on the children's clothes and beds. The kids were taken to a foster home and the animals were taken to the Adams County Humane Society. The Kolbs will be back in court on January 6, 2010.

Source: WEAU - Dec 21, 2009
Update posted on Dec 24, 2009 - 12:45AM

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A couple faces nearly two dozen charges filed in an Adams County child and animal neglect case.

Tina and Jesse Kolb face 23 counts, including three charges of neglecting a child, 10 charges of mistreating animals and 10 charges of not providing food to animals.

A petition transferring ownership of the animals to the Adams County Humane Society was granted on Monday, but the Kolb's have five days to appeal the ruling.

This is because they requested new court-appointed counsel in the case, WISC-TV reported.

Source: Channel 3000 - Dec 14, 2009
Update posted on Dec 14, 2009 - 9:23PM

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References

NBC 15 - Nov 12, 2009

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Hoarding - 37 dogs, 133 rabbits, moreSpringville, WI (US)

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Hoarding - 37 dogs, 133 rabbits, more
Springville, WI (US)