UPDATED Sunday, March 13, 2011 --- 6:09 p.m.

RICHLAND CENTER, Wis. (AP) -- The owner of a Richland County animal shelter faces sentencing after a jury found her guilty of six counts of animal cruelty.

Jennifer Petkus owned Thyme & Sage Ranch in Cazenovia, in southwestern Wisconsin. She was convicted Friday after a three-week trial. She was accused of starving a dog to death, failing to provide water to animals, failing to maintain sufficient cleanliness and other mistreatment.

Authorities seized more than 330 dogs and numerous other animals from her shelter in 2009.

Sentencing for Petkus is scheduled for April 29.

Dane County Humane Society officials say the Richland County district attorney plans to ask for five years prohibition to keep her from having more animals. The maximum sentence would be four and a half years.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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UPDATED Tuesday, November 17, 2009 --- 3:47 p.m.

Information from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:

NEW YORK— The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® ) today announced a grant of $50,000 to the Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) in Madison, Wis. to offset expenses incurred as a result of the Thyme and Sage Ranch animal seizure.

On May 19, 2009, the ASPCA assisted with the rescue of over 400 animals from deplorable conditions at Thyme and Sage Ranch in Cazenovia, Wis., which was operating under the guise of a sanctuary. DCHS was transferred custody of 345 animals seized by the Richland County Sheriff’s department during the execution of a search warrant at Thyme and Sage Ranch. Richland County did not have the facilities to provide temporary shelter for the animals, so custody of the animals was transferred to The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which immediately transferred custody to DCHS.

*“Hundreds of animals were saved from starvation, lack of medical care, and dreadful living conditions because of the willingness of DCHS to assist with this cruelty case,”* said Sandra Monterose, Senior Director of Community Outreach at the ASPCA. *“The ASPCA is pleased to support the incredible work of DCHS by awarding this $50,000 grant.”*

Over $100,000 was spent by DCHS while caring for the animals in the ensuing months, including providing emergency and ongoing medical care, shelter and food. These cost estimates do not include the expenses offset by the community’s outpouring of support through monetary, food and other supply donations.

DCHS, in their role as local lead agency, assisted and supported the animal rescue operations directed by the ASPCA and HSUS teams. Many of the animals were held in the custodial care of DCHS until just recently when a plea agreement was reached between the Richland County DA and the Thyme and Sage Ranch.

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UPDATED Thursday, October 8, 2009 --- 1:58 p.m.

Information from the Dane Co. Humane Society:

Settlement Reached in Thyme & Sage Civil Case
Petkus agrees to surrender all but 4 animals to DCHS

Madison, WI – After extensive negotiation between the Richland County District Attorney’s Office and counsel for Jennifer Petkus and Thyme & Sage Ranch, the parties reached a settlement agreement in the matter of State of Wisconsin et al. v. Petkus, Civil Case No. 09-CV-110 (Richland County Circuit Court, State of Wisconsin). In accordance with the agreement, Petkus has agreed to surrender to Dane County Humane Society (“DCHS”) all but 4 of the animals seized at Thyme & Sage in May 19, 2009. By resolving the civil components of the case, the Richland County District Attorney will be able to focus his resources on the upcoming criminal trial in which Petkus is charged with 39 misdemeanors stemming from her conduct in running Thyme & Sage. That trial is scheduled to begin in February, 2010.

As part of the settlement agreement, DCHS and the cooperating agencies involved in the seizure agreed to waive the costs associated with their ongoing custodial care obligations during the pendency of the civil and criminal matters against Petkus. In total, the authorities seized 378 animals from The Thyme & Sage Ranch. In an effort to resolve the matter and achieve the greatest result for the greatest number of animals, DCHS has conditionally allowed 4 of the seized animals to be returned to Petkus’ parents who have agreed to assume ownership and care of the animals subject to the statutory obligations imposed on every animal owner in the State of Wisconsin. These animals will be subject to ongoing monitoring by law enforcement authorities pending the criminal trial.

Pam McCloud Smith, Executive Director of DCHS, states: “Trials are complicated, expensive and filled with uncertainty. DCHS authorized Richland County to make a deal with Ms. Petkus to eliminate that uncertainty and to act in the best interest of the animals.”

Dane County Humane Society’s ownership of the surrendered animals is effective today, Thursday, October 8, 2009. Currently behavior assessments and spay/neuter surgeries are being conducted on the animals being surrendered to DCHS. Any veterinarians willing to volunteer their services to help with the spay/neuter surgeries should immediately contact Gayle Viney at gviney@giveshelter.org or 608-838-0413 ext 129.

As these animals are available for adoption (within the next 7–10 days), they will be listed along with other adoptable animals on the www.giveshelter.org website. Please continue to check the giveshelter.org website for updates.

DCHS thanks everyone for their support during this ordeal. We are lucky to have a community full of such generous and kind individuals that provided funds and volunteered their time to ensure that these animals would receive the care they so deserve. Thank you all for your commitment to helping these animals.
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UPDATED Friday, June 12, 2009 --- 11:20 a.m.

DANE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY, Madison, WI – Update on Thyme & Sage dogs currently at DCHS.

Here is the approx. breakdown of numbers regarding the T&S dogs at DCHS:

-- 32 are being held as Impounds/Evidence as part of the on-going trial

-- 39 were directly surrendered and are now working their way through our typical adoption process. Once they are medically and behaviorally evaluated, they'll be made available for adoption. This will be a continuous process for the weeks to come. We recommend people check our website (www.giveshelter.org) daily to see the changes and new animals available.

-- 11 of those 39 have been adopted so far.

-- Of the 39 surrendered dogs that will be made available for adoption, 3 are shih tzu mix pups (approx. 10 weeks old) and will be made available for adoption tomorrow (Saturday). These puppies will be at our NEW DCHS West Side Adoption Center (7475 Mineral Point Rd, High Point Center next to the westside Pedro's).

-- Some of the surrendered dogs have found potential adopters through our Breed Matching Program but more dogs will become available as the week goes on.

-- Many of the dogs have severe dental issues and we'd really like to put a plea out to local Veterinarian clinics that might be willing to donate their services to help on dog needing a dental exam and extractions. These exams are very expensive (a bill for one dog can run between $400-800). The faster the dogs can receive their dental exams and surgeries, the faster they can be made available for adoption.

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UPDATED Friday May 29, 2009 --- 4:45 p.m.

The owner of Thyme and Sage Ranch in Richland County has pleaded not guilty to animal abuse charges. You may remember hundreds of animals were seized last week from her Cazenovia Ranch. NBC 15's Michelle Riell was in Richland County and tells us it was an emotional day for a dozen people who gathered at the courthouse to watch the arraignment.

Polly Cisco says, "This is a happy day for animals in Wisconsin. We've waited a long time for this." Cisco is one of nearly a dozen people who watched Jennifer Petkus appear before a judge. She works as a dog groomer and volunteers at a vet clinic in Richland County. Cisco has a personal interest in the case, because she says she saw the condition of some of the dogs adopted out by Thyme and Sage Ranch. Cisco says, "A few days after these dogs were adopted, these animals were becoming extraordinarily ill, requiring immediate veterinarian help and in some cases the animals died within 2 days."

Judy Martinson went through one of those horrific experiences after she and a friend adopted dogs from the ranch last November. Martinson says, "Within 2 days hers died with in 6 days mine was gravely ill and I spent about $2,000.00 just to bring her out of it."

Petkus pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of mistreating animals, one count of improper shelter of animals, and 5 counts of unlawful disposal of an animal carcass. Petkus's attorney asked that she be allowed to claim some of the nearly 400 animals as her personal pets. That will be determined at a later date, to which onlookers like Cisco say, "I can't imagine putting any animal in that position, the number of dead carcasses they've unearthed out there, you'd be signing a death warrant for the animals."

What they'd like to see is the animals turned over to the state and Thyme and Sage Shut down. Martinson says, "We look at this as an opportunity to maybe to something to put someone like Jennifer out of business. Maybe that's why her puppy died, so we could actually take the gauntlet and go forward."

Three court dates were set Friday, which will lead up to a trial. Until then, the dogs remain in the custody of Richland County and in emergency shelter outside the Dane County Humane Society.

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UPDATED Wednesday, May 27, 2009 --- 11:35 a.m.

From the Dane County Humane Society:

MADISON, WI - At this time the caretaking of the animals rescued on May 19 from the Thyme & Sage Ranch continues to be provided by volunteers from United Animal Nations, The Humane Society of the United States and Dane County Humane Society. The animals being cared for include 315 dogs, 21 rabbits, 2 chinchillas, 1 cat, a ferret, 1 rooster, 14 birds, and 23 horses. The horses are currently being kept at a separate location.

In addition to the regular care, many of the animals had and continue to have medical issues that needed immediate and extreme attention. DCHS, ASPCA and HSUS are very thankful to all of the local Veterinarians, Vet Techs, and groomers that have volunteered their time to help examine and clean the dogs involved in the seizure.

The outpouring of community support has been incredible and greatly appreciated, but help is still needed. If the animals are transferred over to DCHS care, the medical attention and supplies will continue to be very costly. The DCHS Rescue Relief Fund has been established to help offset those costs. Please visit www.giveshelter.org to donate or for more information on how to help.

Current Rescue Relief items still needed include:
Clay Litter (unscented and non-clumping)
Timothy Hay
Purina High Fiber Lab Diet Rabbit Pellets
Totally Ferret Food
Oxbow Chinchilla Deluxe
Store Bought Wood Chew Blocks
Bleach
Laundry Detergent
Gift Cards to pet supply stores, restaurants, and home/office supply stores

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UPDATED Wednesday, May 20, 2009 -- 5:15 p.m.

The Richland County woman accused of neglecting animals at her rescue was in court today.

On Tuesday, more than a hundred animals were taken from the Thyme and Sage Ranch in Cazenovia and moved to the Dane County Humane Society.

Today, Jennifer Petkus, the owner of the ranch, was in a Richland County Court Room for her bail hearing.

Petkus appeared with an attorney this afternoon.

According to the criminal complaint she faces 16 total charges.

If convicted on all counts Petkus could face $135,000 in fines and more than eight years behind bars.

Petkus is free on a $10,000 signature bond tonight.

Under the conditions of the bond, Petkus will be allowed to tend to the animals left on her ranch under official supervision.

After the bail hearing, we caught up with Petkus and her attorney. They say they're looking forward to sharing her side of the story.

"As far as the underlying facts in our defense in this case we certainly are going to have our opportunity to tell that...to tell Ms. Petkus' side of the story and we're looking forward to taking advantage of that. "

Petkus is due back in court on May 29th.

Petkus did have a contract with the county to take in stray dogs. According to the sheriff's department that contract is now void.

Also, NBC15 spoke to the Dane County Humane Society. They say if you adopted a pet from Petkus' ranch and it doesn't seem healthy you should take it to a vet right away.

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UPDATED Wednesday, May 20, 2009 --- 3:40 p.m.

The owner of a ranch at the center of an animal abuse investigation in Richland County faces more than a dozen charges.

Jennifer Petkus appeared in a Richland County courtroom this afternoon.

She faces 10 counts of mistreating animals, one count of improper shelter of animals and 5 counts of unlawful deposit of animal carcass.

Yesterday the Richland County Sheriff's Department, along with several animal protection agencies, removed more than 300 animals from the Thyme and Sage Ranch in Cazenovia.

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UPDATED Tuesday, May 19, 2009 -- 9:30 p.m.

It's one of the biggest cases of alleged animal neglect in Richland County's history.

Now, officials are trying to figure out just how many animals are involved.

The Thyme and Sage Ranch started in Cazenovia back in 2001.

The goal was simple: to save animals.

But instead of saving animals, officials think they were suffering.

"Some of these animals are in dire need of medical attention."

By the truck load animals were removed from the Thyme and Sage Ranch in Cazenovia Tuesday afternoon.

"There was no question that there are a lot of issues going on here."

Eric Sakach is with the Humane Society of the United States.

His organization, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the Richland County Sheriff's department are investigating allegations of animal neglect.

"This is quite an operation and it's probably the biggest operation I've seen in Richland County."

Outside, the ranch workers and volunteers get ready to move some of the animals.

They will be sent to their temporary home at the Dane County Humane Society.

Inside, the investigation is still underway.

" I do anticipate that more animals will be removed from the property. The number at this point I can't give you."

Officials say there are at least 300 dogs, dozens of horses and several other animals on the property owned by Jennifer Petkus.

On the ranch's website, Petkus discusses her love for animals and how she wants to save them.

But those with access to the facility say they don't think there was a lot of saving going on.

"These are sights frequently that we encounter that aren't pleasant. You don't like having them in your head."

We did try contacting Jennifer Petkus. She did not return our call. The investigation is on going. Officials hope to wrap things up at the ranch Wednesday.

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UPDATED Tuesday, May 19, 2009 --- 4:10 p.m.

From the ASPCA website:

CAZENOVIA, Wis. – The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), under the authority and request of the Richland County (Wis.) District Attorney and Dane County Humane Society, has dispatched its forensics and animal response teams, as well as its Mobile CSI Unit, to collect evidence in the investigation of an animal sanctuary in Cazenovia, Wis., known as the Thyme and Sage Ranch.

The ASPCA is evaluating animals found at the site, which are being seized by the Richland County Sheriff's Department. The ASPCA is collecting evidence for the prosecution of the criminal case, as well as lending the services of its special forensic cruelty investigation team, comprised of disaster animal rescuers and field service investigators. More than a dozen responders from the ASPCA's Disaster Response team are also on site, along with the ASPCA's "Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit," a critical tool in the collection and processing of evidence at crime scenes.

"Animal cruelty is unacceptable, and we are doing everything we can to lend our support to this critical investigation," said ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres. "The ASPCA's Mobile Animal CSI unit is an important component in the effort against animal cruelty, as it offers the ability to work on-site with the necessary tools, allowing evidence to be processed more accurately and efficiently."

Animals are being examined on the scene and in the ASPCA's CSI unit, which brings both state-of-the-art forensics tools and unmatched expertise to crime scenes. The specially-designed vehicle is also outfitted with medical equipment tailored for animal patients.

Approximately 170 dogs were discovered during the execution of the search warrant, led by the Richland County Sheriff's department early Tuesday, May 19. Other animals on the property include horses, rabbits, chickens, goats, horses, sheep and llamas. Thyme and Sage Ranch holds the contract for Richland County to pick up stray dogs and small animals.

Animal rescue professionals from national organizations, including the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), American Humane Association (AHA), and Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society (HARPS), as well as local agencies such as Dane County Humane Society, are helping handle animals on the scene. PetSmart Charities® is providing much-needed resources and supplies. Dane County Humane Society is also providing outdoor space for emergency shelter tents for animals involved in the investigation.

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Posted Tuesday, May 19, 2009 --- 2:45 p.m.

Press Release from Dane County Humane Society:

MADISON WI – Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) is the local lead agency providing the outdoor location for emergency shelter tents for the animals involved in the investigation and execution of a search warrant today at the Thyme and Sage Ranch in Cazenovia, Wis. The search warrant was executed by the Richland County Sheriff’s department. The Richland County Sheriff’s department impounded the animals and transferred custody of the animals to The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) who have transferred the custody to DCHS. DCHS and Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies worked together to identify area volunteer veterinarians and technicians to assist HSUS and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in the care of the animals. DCHS, in their role as local lead agency, is assisting and supporting the animal rescue operations.

Executive Director Pam McCloud Smith said “It is out of our compassion for the animals that we are here, working under the direction of HSUS and ASPCA.”

DCHS is committed to Helping People Help Animals and is dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of all animals in Dane County and our surrounding communities. DCHS stands behind the investigation of Thyme and Sage Ranch and plans to fulfill the needs of the ASPCA and HSUS teams to the best of their abilities as they work through the evidence of this overwhelming case of neglect. DCHS could not help the thousands of animals that enter our doors each year without the devotion of our community and we thank our volunteers and donors for their continued support throughout the next challenging weeks.

Anyone interested in helping during this critical time, please consider a donation to Dane County Humane Society’s ‘Rescue Relief Fund.’ This can be done by going to the DCHS website www.giveshelter.org . Donations of full sized bath towels (used but in good condition) and bundles of newspapers (with color ads removed) are also needed and can be dropped off at the shelter at 5132 Voges Road, Madison.

A press conference will be held Wednesday morning, May 19.