Animal case under investigation

Officials said Greene County deputies went to the 1200 block of Greene 739 Road March 22 to do a welfare check on Brenda Ramthun, who is the owner and operator of the animal farm.

Several people, including detectives and animal farm volunteers, tried to contact Ramthun by phone but could not. Authorities said both vehicles that Ramthun was known to drive were found at the residence as well and a pair of volunteers said the “behavior was not like Ramthun.”

Deputies later approached the house to check on the woman, who was later found okay.

Authorities said that during the last interaction law enforcement had with Ramthun, she told them she was very ill and was making arrangements to make sure the animals were being taken care of in case she could not take care of them any longer.

“While walking around the property looking for Ramthun to make sure she was safe, deputies noted that there were more than one hundred (100) animals on the property including dogs, cats, horses, and a pig. Many of these animals had no food. There were small pens that housed multiple dogs, and many of the animals did not have access to water. Three of the horses were locked in what appeared to be 7ft x 7ft stalls and had no water. For the few pens of animals that did have access to water, the water was green in color and some of the dogs were not able to access it,” Snyder said.

Deputies later got a search warrant to allow investigators to go back to the property to take photos, build an inventory of the animals and check on their condition.

Deputies then found out Ramthun owned property down the road in the 1600 block of Greene 749 Road.

“A roadside view of the property at 1647 Greene 739 Rd showed many animals there too. An aerial view of the property at 1647 Greene 739 Rd also noted several structures and enclosures on the property. A second search warrant was issued for this parcel where investigators found more animals that were not being properly cared for,” Snyder said.

A social media post this week from The Greene County Animal Farm – No Kill Shelter stated that the shelter has been dealing with people abandoning animals at the shelter and that it was getting ready for spring cleaning and trying to get repairs done when the sheriff’s department came.

“They did take many pictures that without a story with it looks terrible,” the shelter stated. “They took pictures of old trailers the animals are not in. Those trailers had been broken into so many times we just stopped cleaning up the mess people left behind. The animals are not unhealthy or lacking food.”

Deputies said a sign at the animal farm, lists its 501 (c) (3) status as a tax-deductible organization. However, detectives checked with the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office on the 501 (c) (3) status and found out it was “statutorily dissolved” as of July 31, 2023.

Authorities also contacted the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, who are assisting, for help on the situation.

“Investigators have been working since day one to find local placement for these animals, however, as one could imagine it has been difficult at best. While this investigation is on-going, our number one priority is to take care of these animals and get them to a safe place where they can be examined, treated, and cared for,” Snyder said.

Snyder said his office has dealt with several animal cases and will work on the issue in a tireless manner.

“My department is fully aware of the lack of facilities available for the care of animals. This is a matter we struggle with weekly, if not daily. However, we must ensure that those that care for animals and/or operate shelters or rescues can do so in an effective and humane manner,” Snyder said.