Some of the defendants included this petition have been problematic when it comes to proper care of their horses over many years. This time animals were left to die, while others were mere hours from starving to death. We need to send a clear message this will not be tolerated and the subjects of abuse and neglect are being taken seriously.
On February 20 2014, Ted and Joni Fink, Alexandria M. Johnson and David P. Ramsey were charged with the summary offense of cruelty to animals. The incident occurred at the 1313 Youngs Road, Linden PA property owned by the Fink family. Eight horses were seized from property in Piatt Township after authorities received a tip of possible neglect occurring there. Investigators allege that the Finks were negligent in their care of the eight horses by failing to feed them and provided necessary veterinary and farrier care.
Investigators found two dead horses on the property that were "manure-packed," meaning manure was piled over the carcasses. This has been a problem facility for several years, in which the Lycoming Co. SPCA recieved numerous complaints. Larry Waltz, cruelty investigator said the SPCA received calls over the years of alleged neglect at the property, but no charges ever were filed. "We responded, made recommendations, and corrections were made," Woltz said. From 2007 to 2012, the Finks operated a horse-adoption business on their property that they closed on their own.
This latest incident, the SPCA received a tip that two horses had died and that other horses were suffering. When they responded this time, excessive problems were found; starving and dead horses severe skin infections, as well as sore, infected hooves. A search warrant was obtained, which led to the surviving horses being rescued, there was no way to tell how the other ones died.
If convicted of the summary offense, those charged could be fined $50 to $750 and receive a sentence of up to 90 days in jail.
We the undersigned on this petition respectfully implore you to impose the maximum penalties afforded for these charges if the alleged defendants are found guilty, including but not limited to, permanent non-ownership of any kind of animal.
