Probation given in animal neglect case

By Chris Nelson Special to the Journal Sentinel November 24, 1998

Appleton -- A prosecutor, defense attorney, judge and humane society official agreed that a woman sentenced for 21 misdemeanor counts of animal neglect Monday was obsessed with collecting animals and did not intend to injure them.

Roberta S. Runge, 46, of rural New London clearly had a "fixation on animals," said Outagamie County Circuit Judge Dennis Luebke.

Luebke placed Runge on 10 years of probation, ordered her to undergo counseling and to perform community service. He also forbade her to possess, either directly or indirectly, any animal without the approval of her probation agent.

Between sobs, Runge said she was sorry she had not cared for the animals properly. "I would go hungry myself before my animals would go without," she said.

"Will I be able to see the dogs?" she asked the judge.

A jury had found Runge guilty of being a party to animal neglect by failing to sufficiently feed and water 48 horses, ponies and donkeys and 32 dogs.

Witnesses said the animals had no access to food and an inadequate water supply when officials seized them July 3.

District Attorney Vince Biskupic had recommended a jail sentence, saying Runge tried to intimidate a witness and seemed to not understand the seriousness of the neglect.

A co-defendant, Lionel P. Young, 67, who owns the farm, is charged with three counts of animal neglect and is scheduled for a jury trial Monday.

"This was not an intentional crime but a crime of negligence, where the best intentions went awry," said Runge's lawyer, Richard Daberkow.

Pointing out that Runge had dealt with animals all her life, Daberkow said her intentions were to save the animals, but she had acquired more animals than she could handle.

While his client wept, Daberkow asked the court to order probation that would include gradually handling animals under strict supervision.

He asked for a plan to "harness Runge's good intentions" so she could appropriately help the animals she loved and "prevent this from happening again."

"I think it's clear you are fixated on animals," the judge said. "In your obsession, you really are misguided."

Luebke warned Runge that any probation violation could lead to jail time, and if her probation was revoked she could face up to 17 years in prison.

Debby Lewis, executive director of the Fox Valley Humane Society, said 29 dogs were still being cared for at the shelter, and 37 horses and 10 donkeys were being held until they could be sold or placed.

Speaking on behalf of about two dozen humane society volunteers who quietly listened, Lewis called the sentence "very fair."