Turn 3 Ranch
A summary of events:
March 2007: Jackson County Animal Control seized a large herd of valuable horses, including a few animals that were injured or underweight but receiving individual care. According to testimony, JCAC failed to provide immediate veterinary care to those same animals post-seizure.
March-April 2007: Mainstream media reported unsubstantiated allegations (later proven false by testimony) that half of the horses were pregnant, had not been fed or watered in six months, had untreated injuries and other false statements that were never retracted.
July 2007: Judge Filip forfeited ownership of the horses to the county when the owners could not pay an inflated bill for case-related expenses of nearly $135,000 with only a 72 hour notice.
Sept.-Nov. 2007: Jackson County sold horses at public livestock auctions in poor condition. Many were suffering from heavy parasite infestations, and hooves had been neglected. Some were sold for pennies per pound to slaughter buyers who ship to Canada.
April 2008: Judge Schmucker dismissed the felony torture charges due to lack of evidence.
May 2008: Judge Wilson ruled the forfeiture improper, and defendants to be reimbursed for animals and lost income.
June 2008: Jackson County Prosecutor Hank Zavislak appealed both rulings.
August 2008: American Humane Association filed an amicus brief on behalf of the prosecution. Michigan Bar Association to follow suit.
January 2009: Michigan Court of Appeals to hear oral arguments.
One of many auctioned horses that appeared to be in worse condition six months after the seizure.