News flash: horses EAT and POOP without constant supervision. Really!

I hope the recent coverage condemning Jackson County is a direct result of the protest that many who oppose the seizure took part in. The general public heard nothing about this case for so long, it made it easy for them to think that everything turned out hearts and rainbows.

Jackson County animal control overtime pay 400 percent over budget after horses seized

Posted by Kristin Longley
Jackson Citizen Patriot
December 07, 2007

Jackson County officials will have to make major budget adjustments this month to reflect the costs of caring for a herd of more than 80 seized horses.

As of Nov. 30, overtime wages for county animal control employees were nearly 400 percent of the allotted amount for 2007, according to a budget report. Food and medical expenses also were inflated.

"All of it is related to those horses," acting county Administrator Randy Treacher said.

Animal Control seized a Grass Lake Township horse farm last winter, impounding the herd based on allegations of abuse. The owner and manager of the farm, James Henderson Jr. and Matthew Mercier, are charged with felony animal torture relating to three of the horses.