PARAGOULD, Ark. – A difficult case for the community in Greene County has new developments including the arrest of the owner of the animal farm.
Brenda Ramthun was arrested on May 2, 2024, on 53 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and 1 felony count of aggravated animal cruelty, according to Greene County Sheriff Brad Snyder. She appeared in district court Monday, May 6, for her first appearance and probable cause was established, the judge found.
Judge Dan Stidham set a $10,000 cash or surety bond for Ramthun’s release. He also ruled that she must wear an ankle monitor and has been ordered not to possess or be within 100 feet of any type of animal.
The Greene County Animal Farm was raided by authorities last month after a welfare check on Ramthun was performed. She was found to be okay but many of the animals allegedly weren’t okay. Several were reportedly crammed in small cages, living in filth, and with no access to food or water. Several animals appeared to need vet care and were in poor condition, as well, authorities wrote in the probable cause affidavit.
The PC affidavit indicates that over 100 animals were dispersed between the two properties owned by Ramthun. Given that 54 charges were filed, it would indicate at least some of the animals were in acceptable conditions. Dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, pigs, horses, goats, and a racoon all live on the farm. However, some did not have access to adequate food or water, the affidavit alleges.
Sheriff Brad Snyder wrote the following on Facebook:
I know many of you are concerned about the well being of the animals, and many questions have arisen as to why some animals were left on the premises when Ramthun was taken into custody. The issue that we have repeatedly run into during this investigation and subsequent arrest has been animal rescue organizations and facilities being unwilling or unable to assist in the placement of the animals. As noted in the affidavit narrative attached, over 100 animals were found between the two properties in which Ramthun has ties or ownership. Due to the nature of the case, the animals must be kept in a facility until the proper court procedures have taken place. Finding these placements has been next to impossible.
Concerning the health and well-being of the animals that were seized, the initial search warrant was for the seizure of those animals that were known to be in need of immediate medical attention. Upon the execution of that warrant, it was learned by investigators that many of those that were specifically listed to be seized had been moved from the locations, with no known location of their whereabouts. Included in that first round of animals seized was a dog that had serious health issues and that needed treatment for heartworms per the on-site veterinarian that accompanied my investigators. This specific dog was what met the criteria for the felony aggravated animal cruelty charge. Also seized at that time was a pig that had a severe rectal prolapse, and had resorted to walking on its hocks due to its hooves being so overgrown and preventing the pig from walking normally. I am happy to report that this pig is improving everyday and seems to continue recovering in a positive direction.
There have been a few members of the public that have made accusations that after seizing these animals, our intent was to have them euthanized or “put down”. Obviously in cases like this, sometimes it is medically necessary due to the severity of the animal’s health. However, euthanizing healthy, viable animals would be completely counterproductive to our mission of protecting those that cannot protect or speak for themselves. Unfortunately, the dog mentioned above was on the veterinarian’s exam table being treated when it became unresponsive. When efforts to fully revive the dog failed, the veterinarian euthanized the dog out of medical, and humane, necessity.
My office, and my deputies, take all cases seriously and will do our best to take care of all of our residents, both two-legged and four-legged.
– Sheriff Brad Snyder
In a social media post on the same day as her arrest, the page for the animal farm cast doubt on law enforcement having the best intentions for the animals.
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Oh my goodness! She deserves what she gets. Filth and harm!
Thank you for reporting!