Dozens of malnourished animals seized from home with unsafe living conditions

Town of Beloit woman faces charges after neighbor reports concerns

TOWN OF BELOIT, Wis. — A number of animals, including horses, dogs and cats, were seized from a rural Rock County home Thursday after some horses were found emaciated.

Police seized almost two dozen animals from a woman in the town of Beloit after they said the living conditions for the animals and her were unsafe to live in.

“Animals can’t do anything to protect themselves. They rely on that person to take care of them and we are glad that neighbors and other concerned people brought it to our attention,” Town of Beloit police Sgt. Laura Palmer said.

Janice Jackson, 49, is facing six misdemeanor charges for animal neglect after police issued a search warrant and seized a number of horses, ponies, dogs, cats and other animals after a neighbor reported concerns to police.

The Rock County Humane Society took some of the animals. Spirit Horse Rescue in Janesville took the five horses that were found malnourished.

“Their gums indicated that they were all somewhat dehydrated. One was very thin. They all had blankets which were inadequate for the cold and was going to cause more harm than good,” said DeeDee Goldberg, with Spirit Horse Rescue.

Police said the animals were living in feces and without adequate food and water. Over the last month, officers had been to the house three times to check on the animals.

Golberg said it is hard to know how long the animals had been living in those conditions. She said it will take a couple months before the horses will be ready for adoption.

Jackson had several dogs and cats taken from her a couple years ago. Those animals had to be euthanized.

The humane society has put the dogs, cats and rabbit up for adoption. All animals are expected to make a full recovery.

Palmer said the department is also trying to file an injunction to prevent Jackson from owning any future pets.