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Judge Says 10 Seized Animals Should Be Returned to Ohio Farm
Source: Associated Press
Judge Says 10 Seized Animals Should Be Returned to Ohio Farm
By KANTELE FRANKO, ASSOCIATED PRESS
COLUMBUS, Ohio — May 5, 2016, 7:05 PM ET
A judge on Thursday said five tigers and five other animals seized from a northeast Ohio farm should be returned, though the state stood by its actions and maintained that the owner hasn't met Ohio's tightened restrictions on keeping exotic animals.
Owner Cyndi Huntsman of Stump Hill Farm in Massillon argued that her farm is a licensed educational facility and thus exempt from permit requirements. Her attorney, John Juergensen, said a related administrative appeal is still pending and that the seizure was premature and unnecessary because the animals weren't endangering anyone.
The judge who signed off on the warrant that enabled the seizure granted Huntsman a preliminary injunction Thursday but agreed with a state veterinarian's recommendation that the animals shouldn't be sedated and moved again for two weeks, for their own health, Juergensen said.
"We felt like her due process rights were violated with this seizure and that it was a giant waste of taxpayer money," Juergensen said.
Another hearing on the injunction is scheduled May 19.
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By KANTELE FRANKO, ASSOCIATED PRESS
COLUMBUS, Ohio — May 5, 2016, 7:05 PM ET
A judge on Thursday said five tigers and five other animals seized from a northeast Ohio farm should be returned, though the state stood by its actions and maintained that the owner hasn't met Ohio's tightened restrictions on keeping exotic animals.
Owner Cyndi Huntsman of Stump Hill Farm in Massillon argued that her farm is a licensed educational facility and thus exempt from permit requirements. Her attorney, John Juergensen, said a related administrative appeal is still pending and that the seizure was premature and unnecessary because the animals weren't endangering anyone.
The judge who signed off on the warrant that enabled the seizure granted Huntsman a preliminary injunction Thursday but agreed with a state veterinarian's recommendation that the animals shouldn't be sedated and moved again for two weeks, for their own health, Juergensen said.
"We felt like her due process rights were violated with this seizure and that it was a giant waste of taxpayer money," Juergensen said.
Another hearing on the injunction is scheduled May 19.
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Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/judge-10-seized-animals-returned-ohio-farm-38913889