Man Faces Felony Charges After Discovery Of 15 Dead Horses, 11 Dead Foals

Published: February 27, 2021 at 12:16 PM Author: PENNY EIMS

Zap, North Dakota – A Zap, North Dakota, man is accused of contributing to the death of 15 horses and 11 foals, and neglecting dozens of other horses. As reported by the Bismarck Tribune, deputies with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department made the grim discovery on February 20 at  Shanan Weigum’s property.

Weigum allegedly fed moldy hay and denied water access to the animals. Four lambs were found deceased at the property, and 39 horses were in “poor condition.” One young steer was in such bad health that he had to be put down.

Weigum is facing a felony animal cruelty charge, and with your help, we will push court officials to give him the maximum sentence! Please sign today, this situation is heartbreaking, and completely unacceptable.

Mercer County Sheriff’s deputies seized all of the animals from Shanan Weigum’s possession. How could this man let this happen? 15 horses died, 11 foals died, four lambs died, and another 39 horses were in “poor condition.” Two of the surviving horses ultimately had to be euthanized. According to reports, deputies also discovered a neglected donkey, in addition to the young cow that had to be put down.

This wasn’t one or two animals that passed away – it was dozens. The situation was deemed bad enough that the local authorities seized ALL of this man’s animals.

Please sign the petition today to help ensure that Shanan Weigum gets the maximum sentence. This cannot be swept under the rug!

News:

Bismarck Tribune

ABC News

Individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Final update: Victory! Animal Victory learned that Judge Cynthia Feland suspended all but three months of a three-year prison sentence and allowed Weigum credit for 10 days served. Weigum was ordered to pay more than $76,000 in restitution and fees and must spend four years on supervised probation. Thanks to everyone who took the time to sign this petition and help prevent this case from being dismissed in court!

Update 8/12/2021: Animal Victory has been informed by the state’s attorney office that this case was declared a mistrial on Aug.6, 2021. The state has 10 days to decide what to do next.

Update 3/25/2021: Animal Victory has learned that the pretrial conference is scheduled for 4/28/2021.

Update 3/22/2021: Animal Victory has sent 14,101 signatures and comments to Prosecutor Jessica Jo Binder. Read our letter here.

Update 3/5/2021: Animal Victory has learned that the preliminary hearing is set for March 24. Read North Dakota Animal Cruelty Laws here

Animal-Protection-Laws-of-North-Dakota-2020-Animal-Legal-Defense-Fund

Prior Signatures 14,693.