Removal of Two Equines
Removal of Two Equines
The Issue
March 2025
Petition for the Removal of Two Equines
Update: We have been informed that the owner of the horses is not safe to approach. This petition has been made anonymous to protect the safety of those involved in its creation.
We, the undersigned residents of Walworth County, WI, and those traveling along State Highway 11 through the Town of LaFayette are writing to formally petition for the immediate removal of two equines residing at W2992 State Hwy 11, Elkhorn, WI. These animals have repeatedly escaped their enclosure due to inadequate and structurally unsound fencing along a busy highway, posing a significant safety risk to both the animals and the motoring public along State Hwy 11 and adjoining roads.
In addition to the inherent safety risk, we are also concerned for their overall welfare. If the owner cannot be bothered to provide appropriate fencing to contain the animals, it would be safe to assume the equines are also not receiving proper veterinary care, along with required dental and hoof care.
Legal considerations should be taken into account. Wisconsin Statute 951.14 reads as follows, “The housing facilities shall be structurally sound and maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury and to contain the animals.” ¹. Based on the sheer number of escape incidents over the past year, the current fencing is not structurally sound, nor is it capable of keeping the animals contained.
The statute also covers sanitation standards. “Indoor and outdoor enclosures shall include periodic cleaning to remove excreta and other waste materials, dirt, and trash so as to minimize health hazards.” The current owner has proven incapable of providing a structurally sound fence, it is highly unlikely they are attempting to remove any excrement produced by the animals. Proper and regular removal of excrement is a key factor in the proper care of equines to reduce internal parasitic infestation.
It should also be noted that Walworth County Ordinance Sec.6-2 states that, “No livestock shall run at large on a highway at any time except to go from one farm parcel to another. If the owner or keeper of livestock knowingly permits livestock to do so, he may be required to forfeit not more than $200.00. (ord. No89,12-13-83)” ². The owner has permitted the continued escape of the equines by failing to provide adequate fencing despite ample opportunity to do so.
The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office worked with the owners of the equines to find them a new and adequate home in December of 2024. The owners acknowledged their incapability of proper care and inability to provide a safe space. The prospective new owners made arrangements to provide veterinary and the required dental and hoof care along with a safe facility to house them. These prospective owners were willing to pay for all of this care out of pocket with absolutely no expense to the prior owner. These people were given the opportunity to give these animals a good home with no further burden and no questions asked. Unfortunately, the animal owner refused to release the equines and selfishly kept the animals for themselves instead of doing what is right for the animals.
It is time that our local Law Enforcement forces the removal of the equines. The owner lacks the capability and competency to properly care for the animals.
Per Wisconsin Statute 951.18, the violation of Wisconsin Statute 951.14 is subject to a Class C forfeiture. Any person who intentionally or negligently violates this section is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. A sentencing court may also order that the criminal violator may not own, possess or train any animal or type or species of animal for a period specified by the court, but not to exceed 5 years¹.
We request the immediate removal of these equines, and that they be relinquished to a proper horse facility like what was arranged in December of last year. If the owner will not let them go willingly, then charges should be made pursuant to s. 951.18. We also request that the owner of these animals be ordered to not own, possess, or train any equine for the maximum sentence of 5 years due to their blatant disregard for the welfare of the animals and public safety, regardless if the animals are released willingly or by court order. The owner of the animals should not be allowed another chance to rectify the situation since they have proven themselves incapable time and time again.
Our deepest respect goes to our local Law Enforcement however, the issue at hand has gone on long enough. It is only a matter of time before a passing vehicle collides with one of these loose horses. Will it be a person commuting to work? Maybe a family coming home after dinner, or one of the 4 school buses that travel the road daily. Let’s not wait for an accident to occur before taking action.
Citations:
1) https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes
2) https://library.municode.com/wi/walworth_county/codes/code_of_ordinances
648
The Issue
March 2025
Petition for the Removal of Two Equines
Update: We have been informed that the owner of the horses is not safe to approach. This petition has been made anonymous to protect the safety of those involved in its creation.
We, the undersigned residents of Walworth County, WI, and those traveling along State Highway 11 through the Town of LaFayette are writing to formally petition for the immediate removal of two equines residing at W2992 State Hwy 11, Elkhorn, WI. These animals have repeatedly escaped their enclosure due to inadequate and structurally unsound fencing along a busy highway, posing a significant safety risk to both the animals and the motoring public along State Hwy 11 and adjoining roads.
In addition to the inherent safety risk, we are also concerned for their overall welfare. If the owner cannot be bothered to provide appropriate fencing to contain the animals, it would be safe to assume the equines are also not receiving proper veterinary care, along with required dental and hoof care.
Legal considerations should be taken into account. Wisconsin Statute 951.14 reads as follows, “The housing facilities shall be structurally sound and maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury and to contain the animals.” ¹. Based on the sheer number of escape incidents over the past year, the current fencing is not structurally sound, nor is it capable of keeping the animals contained.
The statute also covers sanitation standards. “Indoor and outdoor enclosures shall include periodic cleaning to remove excreta and other waste materials, dirt, and trash so as to minimize health hazards.” The current owner has proven incapable of providing a structurally sound fence, it is highly unlikely they are attempting to remove any excrement produced by the animals. Proper and regular removal of excrement is a key factor in the proper care of equines to reduce internal parasitic infestation.
It should also be noted that Walworth County Ordinance Sec.6-2 states that, “No livestock shall run at large on a highway at any time except to go from one farm parcel to another. If the owner or keeper of livestock knowingly permits livestock to do so, he may be required to forfeit not more than $200.00. (ord. No89,12-13-83)” ². The owner has permitted the continued escape of the equines by failing to provide adequate fencing despite ample opportunity to do so.
The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office worked with the owners of the equines to find them a new and adequate home in December of 2024. The owners acknowledged their incapability of proper care and inability to provide a safe space. The prospective new owners made arrangements to provide veterinary and the required dental and hoof care along with a safe facility to house them. These prospective owners were willing to pay for all of this care out of pocket with absolutely no expense to the prior owner. These people were given the opportunity to give these animals a good home with no further burden and no questions asked. Unfortunately, the animal owner refused to release the equines and selfishly kept the animals for themselves instead of doing what is right for the animals.
It is time that our local Law Enforcement forces the removal of the equines. The owner lacks the capability and competency to properly care for the animals.
Per Wisconsin Statute 951.18, the violation of Wisconsin Statute 951.14 is subject to a Class C forfeiture. Any person who intentionally or negligently violates this section is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. A sentencing court may also order that the criminal violator may not own, possess or train any animal or type or species of animal for a period specified by the court, but not to exceed 5 years¹.
We request the immediate removal of these equines, and that they be relinquished to a proper horse facility like what was arranged in December of last year. If the owner will not let them go willingly, then charges should be made pursuant to s. 951.18. We also request that the owner of these animals be ordered to not own, possess, or train any equine for the maximum sentence of 5 years due to their blatant disregard for the welfare of the animals and public safety, regardless if the animals are released willingly or by court order. The owner of the animals should not be allowed another chance to rectify the situation since they have proven themselves incapable time and time again.
Our deepest respect goes to our local Law Enforcement however, the issue at hand has gone on long enough. It is only a matter of time before a passing vehicle collides with one of these loose horses. Will it be a person commuting to work? Maybe a family coming home after dinner, or one of the 4 school buses that travel the road daily. Let’s not wait for an accident to occur before taking action.
Citations:
1) https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes
2) https://library.municode.com/wi/walworth_county/codes/code_of_ordinances
648
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on March 25, 2025