Greene County Animal Farm Under Investigation; Issues Statement

PARAGOULD, Ark. – The Greene County Animal Farm is at the center of an investigation by the sheriff’s department after authorities allege they discovered animals in poor conditions during a welfare check.

Authorities conducted a welfare check on Brenda Ramthun, owner/operator of Greene County Animal Farm, on March 22, 2024, after receiving reports of loose dogs and unattended packages at her residence on Greene 739 Road, according to the release posted to social media by the sheriff.

Deputies attempted to contact Ramthun, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Concerns arose as witnesses reported unusual behavior from Ramthun, who had previously mentioned illness and plans for animal care arrangements. Upon approaching Ramthun’s residence, deputies reportedly observed animals freely moving in and out of the home, with strong odors of urine and feces emanating from inside. Despite attempts to contact her, Ramthun did not respond.

Further investigation revealed over 100 animals on the property, including dogs, cats, horses, and a pig. Authorities allege many lacked food and water, claiming some animals were confined in small pens without access to basic necessities. Ramthun was eventually located on the same day and was found to be unharmed, but not before the department had developed serious concerns about the welfare of the animals.

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Following these findings, a search warrant was issued on March 25, 2024, to assess the animals’ conditions and inventory them. Additionally, another property owned by Ramthun on Greene 739 Rd showed similar conditions, prompting a second search warrant.

Due to the magnitude of the case, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was contacted to assist with animal placement and care. Despite ongoing efforts to find local placement, challenges persist, the sheriff said.

Authorities also discovered that the Greene County Animal Farm’s 501(c)(3) status had been dissolved, raising concerns about its operations and oversight.

While investigations continue, the primary focus remains on ensuring the welfare of the animals involved, the sheriff said in his release. The investigations into the case are ongoing, and further details are pending.

No charges were mentioned in the release and no arrests have been made.

Ahead of the Greene County Sheriff’s Department’s expected release of information, Ramthun issued a statement addressing the public. Ramthun expressed profound sadness and frustration as she gave her side on the situation following law enforcement’s involvement.

Ramthun emphasized that shelters like hers serve the community’s needs and are not private enterprises. She underscored her mission to alleviate animal suffering, acknowledging the imperfect reality of animal abandonment and overpopulation.

Ramthun recounted years of seeking assistance and collaborating with local authorities and other shelters. Despite challenges such as health issues and property damage, she expressed feeling blindsided by the recent raid instead of receiving support from authorities.

In defense of the shelter’s conditions, Ramthun refuted claims of overcrowding and neglect depicted in photographs taken during the raid. She highlighted the ongoing efforts to provide care for senior and special needs animals while appealing for assistance from the community.

But many in the comments of the sheriff’s department page rejected Ramthun’s explanation. One commenter wrote that stories like this have floated around for years.

In a longer comment, Donna Langston of Paragould accused Ramthun of being a hoarder who does not like to adopt the animals out. Langston alleges she adopted an animal there eight years ago.

The Greene County Animal Farm page replied to several comments. One of the replies claimed they were in the process of Spring cleaning and that the actions by authorities were all political.

However, many replied with comments that were supportive of Ramthun and her mission.

“If you haven’t offered your help to Brenda or the shelter you have no room to talk,” wrote Tracy Frame. “She has begged for help for years. This shelter and those animals are her heart and soul. She has always done more for them than for herself. She is a giving, caring person and would never purposely let any animal suffer. I am proud of the work she does, work that majority of this world would not think twice to do.”

“All of yall bashing this place and the owner, yall better be the first in line to adopt one of these animals,” wrote Cullen Grey Rivers. “Everybody wants to run their mouths but won’t take a single step to change anything.”

NEA Report reached out to Sheriff Brad Snyder to add information for those who wish to help, foster, or adopt. Details will be added here when available to those wishing to help. Refresh for the latest.