February 17, 2017 at 12:00 p.m.
Animal rescue center founder arrested
Formal charges yet to be filed
Animal rescue center founder arrested
According to a press release from sheriff's Capt. Terri Hook, Stephanie J. Schneider, 42, was arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the alleged mistreatment of dogs at the rescue.
"She was arrested for failing to provide food or water, mistreating animals, and obstructing law enforcement," the release states.
The sheriff's department's daily booking report indicates Schneider was booked into the Oneida County Jail by Hook at 11:44. Online jail records state she was released by court order.
No formal charges have been filed against Schneider yet, and as of Friday morning, the Oneida County District Attorney's office had not received a charging referral.
In an initial press release issued Feb. 7, Hook said past employees, volunteers, and citizens who have adopted or were considering adopting dogs from the group had reported information about possible neglect to the dogs.
"Approximately three weeks ago, one dog that had been in the care of the shelter for a long period of time was removed from the shelter and treated for medical issues. The dog's health has improved since it has been removed as it is receiving proper treatment. The veterinarian caring for the dog issued a letter which in part stated, 'It is my medical conclusion along with evidence as stated by diagnostic tests that this animal had to endure severe neglect for months,'" Hook said in that release.
Hook identified the veterinarian caring for that dog as Dr. Brian Buchberger, DVM, of Rhinelander.
"The removal of these dogs was in response to an investigation involving the Oneida County Humane Society, the Department of Agriculture, the Oneida County Health Department, and the Oneida County Sheriff's Office," according to the first release issued by Hook.
"When we went back out to look again, there were obviously other dogs in distress," Hook said at a press conference on Feb. 7.
Prior to that press conference, It Matters to One posted a message on Facebook stating the group found it "extremely unsettling" that it was being accused of neglect.
"We would like to make it known that we rescue animals from high-kill shelters and undesirable circumstances because we believe every dog deserves the best quality of life possible. They do not always arrive to us in good condition. Over the past four years we have placed hundreds of dogs into loving homes, dogs who were minutes from being killed, aggressive dogs, dogs who were injured, sick, neglected, pregnant, abandoned and abused. Dogs nobody else wanted or would take," the post said.
"We sacrifice everything we have to make sure that our dogs are properly taken care of, and placed into good homes because each of their lives matter to us. We take every life and every adoption extremely seriously, and go the extra mile to make sure that they are going to a home that will provide them with the love and care they require and deserve," the post continued. "The dogs are all that matter to us, today is heart-breaking because these accusations have made many people doubt our mission and our dedication. We hope that our community will remember that there is much more to this story and we are extremely grateful for those who are standing by us and telling their stories of happiness, love, and support for our rescue."
On Feb. 8, the group posted images of veterinarian inspection and vaccination records for 25 of the dogs showing many had been seen by a vet prior to the seizure.
"All done in the past two months. I bet most people don't have their dogs examined almost every 30 days. Well, a huge portion of ours are examined regularly to be prepared for adopters," the post said.
Repeated attempts to reach Schneider for comment have proven unsuccessful.
The Friday press release announcing Schneider's arrest states that her first court appearance will be on Feb. 27.
Jamie Taylor may be reached at [email protected]
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