Horses, donkeys, goats seized from Jenny's Market near Dexter
The Humane Society of Huron Valley seized eight animals Thursday from the popular Jenny’s Market near Dexter.
Humane Society cruelty investigator Matt Schaecher said the seized animals, which included horses, donkeys and goats, were in varying states of neglect. Investigators are working on a report that will be submitted to the prosecutor’s office for possible charges, he said.
Jenny's Market operator Burton Hoey leads a pair of horses at the business in this file photo.
File photo
Investigators had visited the market Wednesday, Schaecher said, and returned Thursday with a search warrant. The Humane Society and Washtenaw County sheriff’s deputies were at the property for several hours late Thursday afternoon and evening, Schaecher said.
Market operator Burton Hoey said Friday that investigators took two horses, four donkeys and two goats from the property. He said he doesn’t think the seizure was necessary.
“I think they overreacted,” he said. “They should have pointed out what they thought was wrong and gave me a couple of weeks to make any correction that I could make.”
Hoey said one of the horses was an 18-year-old mare with heaves, also called recurrent airway obstruction. He said he was treating the animal as best he could, but a veterinarian had told him nothing could be done for her, he said.
The other seized horse had an abscess on its hoof that Hoey said had already healed.
Hoey said the Humane Society said the donkeys’ hooves needed trimming. He said he acquired them last fall from someone who had not trimmed their feet, and he was in the process of gradually trimming them back.
As for the goats, he said investigators thought they were underweight, but Hoey said they were underfed when he bought them a couple of months ago and he has been nourishing them back to health.
He said he still has 18 horses, one donkey and one goat on the property.
Hoey said he hopes to get the animals back, and in the meantime is operating his business as usual with one exception. Until last year, Hoey had offered hayrides on the property, but said he has decided to end those. “It's just too much,” he said.
An employee, Mary Armbruster was paralyzed during a hayride on the property last year when she fell off the wagon and was run over by it. She has since filed a lawsuit.
Cindy Heflin is associate news director for AnnArbor.com. Contact her at cindyheflin@annarbor.com or 734-623-2572 or follow her on Twitter.
Comments
Beth Hoag
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 3:24 p.m.
READERS - don't be bullies by spreading rumors and speculations, no matter how much you believe your information is fact. If you are not involved you are not informed. Just because you call HVHS on this est before, doesn't make you an authority to comment to attempt to inform others. Just because you have read articles for years on this guy and about how he treats his animals, doesn't make it fact. I can't believe there is such a polarizing thread of comments, based so many opinions! It's good to know what is POTENTIALLY going on, via the article, but no matter which side of the fence you are on, don't be bullies people.
shepard145
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 8:16 p.m.
Too late. Those writing here are much like those who think they know far more then they do about animals and animal care. I'm surprised some don't expect the horses to talk as they see on cartoons. LOL
pegret
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 1:44 p.m.
It is long past time for this place to be shut down. My family stopped going to this"local farm stand" years ago...after I pulled back a label on a jar to see that the product had actually come from Mexico!
newmom2064
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 1:16 p.m.
I've lived in dexter for 10 years just down the street from this place. All I can say (rather all they'll allow me to say) is this is long LONG over due. My sister even worked for that guy and let me tell you the neglect and mistreatment of the animals is exactly why she left and we've never returned.
Suzanne
Sun, Sep 9, 2012 : 10:41 p.m.
I know this won't be popular but don't you find it strange that someone tries to make trouble for this man every fall when it's time to make his money? I know nothing about Mr. Hoey nor have I been to the farm market but it sure seems strange how things happen in his peak season...zoning rules, HSHV seizure, beating/robbery, almost seems like someone doesn't want him to run a business there... true, I think Mr. Hoey is very bad on following up on things and is probably a procrastinator but...really, every year?
shepard145
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 8:15 p.m.
Great point - I'm sure there is something to what you've written. Probably related to the season when more people drop by, their kids play the hay bales and some of the hundreds feel compelled to make use of their sweaty cell phones to bother the police about what they think they know about animals.
nickcarraweigh
Sun, Sep 9, 2012 : 9:58 p.m.
For good or for ill, and whatever your race, creed, national origin, color or political affiliation, you may well agree the Midas touch seems generally to have eluded Jenny's Market the last little while.
Fredric
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 8:03 p.m.
I guess you can tell that I do own and operate a farm, not too far from this one, None of us have any respect for this man .
Fredric
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 7:17 p.m.
I have supported Burton's right to operate a business for many years. However, for the past several years now. he seems to say " I can do whatever I want and no one can touch me". He has viiolated many regulations and faught with the Dexter Council and Township and is just a problem. Go back into your files and this can all be supported. When are they going to haul him off. Time for him to move on!!
witchygirl
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 4:23 p.m.
I stopped taking my children to Jenny's years ago when I witnessed this guy abusing animals, both on and off his property. I have a horse that drives a carriage myself, and the treatment that his draft horses that pull the hay wagon were enduring was inexcusable. One mare had been worked so hard and so long and was breathing so heavily that I was concerned she might go down at any time. When I asked him to please switch out to another team so that she could rest he became furious. Another time I saw him at a pony auction, and he was walking around inside the pens pounding his fist onto the backs of the ponies for sale. Apparently he considered this to be a valid method of evaluation. This man is truly a monster and no parent should take their children to his farm so that he can profit by his cruelty.
grimmk
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 3:37 p.m.
How did he just acquire all these animals that needed help? I thought he lost a substantial amount of money last year. Where did he get the funds to buy all these animals? I hope he has proof that he did just buy them. And lots of vet records to back him up. If not, sorry, but I know the Human Society won't buy your excuses. All the animals were not seized because they only take the ones in dire need of medical attention or the ones that look the most neglected. If it comes to light that these animals are being neglected then I'm sure the rest will be take away as well. How is he still in business? I thought the place got shut down last year.
shepard145
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 3:31 p.m.
Government is worse then evil, they are often arrogant, "well intentioned" fools. Few Volvo jockeys writing in here know the first think about farming, ranching and working livestock. They think of every animal they see as a pet, happily licking their plump shiny faces. Then we have ordinance bureaucrats that view everyone else's land in terms of the rules and regulations they made up last week. The problem is that ordinances are imperfect at best, applied selectively at times and often force a numb, bland, one-size-fits-all appearance to everything. Unlike most professions, when planners screw up the residents are stuck with their mistakes for a hundred years or longer – ask Novi how that's working out. To the horror of local bureaucrats, Jennys Farms enjoys a country farm vibe, that people enjoy, but was created by it's nonconformance. Country Market conforms perfectly …notice any difference? LOL ..but the Bambi lovers don't get it now and never will – even when the "GOVERNMENT" finally wins, residents will have the pleasure of driving past an empty mud hole on the way to the lakes .....yeh, another GOVERNMENT VICTORY!
shepard145
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 2:14 a.m.
I just spent lots of cash at Jennys farms this weekend - really stocked up! Without all those animals to feed and maintain, I imagine he will find his operation more stream-lined and make even more profit! It was great to see all the children playing in the hay bales out front but noticed there was no ph lift up to the top approved surface ringed with guard rails so maybe you want to get on the phone and report kids having fun without government permission! LOL Looks like we have a new organization forming: the anti business, Bambi clinging, mud hole society!! Celebrating government killing private business since 2012! LOL
clownfish
Sun, Sep 9, 2012 : 1:42 p.m.
Any more stereotypes and false assumptions that you would like to make? There are hundreds of small businesses in the area that don't have problems with the twp GOVERNMENT. If I drive by and see an empty hole where his "farm stand" (imported goods) I may just cheer because I know no other animal or employee is in danger. Maybe you should move to Iraq where you won't have to worry about the evil government intruding into your Utopian Dreamworld.
a2ex-pat
Sun, Sep 9, 2012 : 2:45 a.m.
I hope to God you don't own animals, be it pets, livestock, or even a goldfish. And I'm neither a "Volvo jockey", or a "well intentioned fool." Driving past an empty mud hole would be a vast improvement over seeing those animals suffering every single day. If you think horses with their ribs showing is acceptable, then it's you that knows nothing about ranching, farming, or raising livestock.
shepard145
Sun, Sep 9, 2012 : 12:22 a.m.
Spoken like a government lackey waiting to be told what to think next.
justcurious
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 9:11 p.m.
This is laughable. Your hatred is showing, but it is sorely misguided.
Thoughtful
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 2:08 p.m.
Convenient you "just acquired" those animals. You could afford more animals when "there's just so much to do?"
Ittakesallkinds
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
Let's just forget about the animals for a moment. Check with Webster Township and you will see that Burton Hoey is in violation of ordiances regarding setbacks. Not only is he too close to a small town as mentioned by a commentor, he's just too close to the road period and not in compliance with the regulations. The township should bear the brunt on Jenny's Farm Market even being open. Rather than spend a small amount for a new survey to be done they have chosen to spend over 20k of taxpayer money on attorney fees to fight him in court. A simple survey will show that he is far too close to the road. If Webster Township had trustees with any common sense Burton would already be out of business. Instead, he's getting over on every Webster Township resident while the Township continues to waste taxpayer dollars. Start with the Township if you want to close down Jenny's Farm Market. Too many are undereducated about where their money is going which is very ironic since Webster Township is choke full of educated taxpayers.
J-smith
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 3:02 p.m.
If on one hand you have people alike "SHEPHARD" that are convinced that the evil govt is out to get a small business owner, and on the other you have law, ordinances and a slow court system, you get these drawn out battles.
beeswing
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 12:55 p.m.
I have noticed commenters here often seem to take such relish in this particular pile-on! I just know, over the years, I once took my child there and now I take my grandchild. They always seemed very friendly and kindly, the prices seemed reasonable and it was a fun place to spend some time. I appreciate that it did not turn into price gauging place like Wiards Orchards. I don't know if Mr. Hoey is guilty of anything but I am not ready to string him up and I would like to allow him his fair say, his day in court.
justcurious
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 9:15 p.m.
Beeswing, no one else had to drag his reputation into the gutter, he has done it himself for years. Ask the township, ask small businesses in the area, ask the gas company, ask the law enforcement and civil authorities, ask his former employees, as the immigration service, ask his neighbors, ask his friends that have been treated poorly, ask people who have lived here more than 10 years.
beeswing
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 5:10 p.m.
Justcurious--I don't what kind of person would NOT care about animals being abused and am not sure I said anything to give any indication I could possibly be that kind of person! I also do very much care about my grandchild, I assure you! I just don't like a lynch mob, pile-on mentality and dragging someone's reputation through the gutter without their first being able to defend themselves. I didn't like it with Dr. Weinblatt in those early days of that scandal and I don't like it with this guy. I am not a "supporter" of either.
J-smith
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 3 p.m.
Mr Hoey has had , and is going to have, MANY days in court. He could have had more, but his statements about his "robbery" were so contradictory that the police dropped the case.
justcurious
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 1:05 p.m.
The are decades of history here. I don't know if you have followed even the stories on this site, but if you had you would not be so anxious to support him. There have been many first hand accounts of things that have happened that should make anyone leery of doing business there. Even if you don't care about the way the animals are treated, you should care about the health and safety of your grandchild.
brian
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 4:25 a.m.
So it's okay that the Humane Society kills animals every day?
grimmk
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 6:06 p.m.
They don't. Do you even know what you are talking about? Do you work there? Volunteered there? Their new facilities and all the donations they get are helping them become a nearly no kill shelter. That doesn't mean they kill animals willy-nilly all day long.
Lola
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 6:02 a.m.
No, it's not okay which is why everyone needs to spay or neuter their pets. While I prefer no-kill shelters when animals are put down at least it's done in a humane manner.
shepard145
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 3:06 a.m.
Help, Help, somebody call my mommy.....I mean the government!
Goofus
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 4:17 a.m.
Maybe Burton Hoey should call his mommy. She got him in all this trouble in the first place.
arborani
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 3:37 a.m.
Maybe somebody should have called somebody's mommy when the first fly was de-winged.
Ann23
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 3:25 a.m.
I'm no fan of big government but, are you mocking victims being protected from abuse and neglect?
Lola
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 2:48 a.m.
Why hasn't anyone reported him to the USDA? If you have any kind of business that involves animals you fall under their jurisdiction. They have VERY strict guidelines for how animals are treated and if you aren't following them they can shut you down on the spot/levy stiff fines. Kind of like OSHA for animals. I've had experience with this government agency and believe me, they don't mess around.
Laura Jones
Sun, Sep 9, 2012 : 4:15 a.m.
Commercial sale means raised and sold for meat on the hoof - not recreational use. Sorry, Burton does not raise livestock for slaughter. It does NOT fall under USDA - that is a hobby farm in every respect.
justcurious
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 9:17 p.m.
The USDA and the Department of Agriculture are not out to protect anyone but big business. Where do you think they come from? Big business.
Lola
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 4:10 p.m.
No thanks. I already have it and have reported them.
EyeHeartA2
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 11:10 a.m.
Feel free to call. Would you like the number?
Lola
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 5:59 a.m.
It's a business not a hobby farm so yes, the USDA would inspect them if they were made aware of the situation.
Laura Jones
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 3:31 a.m.
USDA covers animals bred for commercial sale, laboratory use or exhibition (zoo's) - not private hobby farm's.
EyeHeartA2
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 2:28 a.m.
Did the "robbery" ever get resolved? I thought not.
dexterreader
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 12:59 p.m.
As Kyle notes, the robbery case was dropped due to Mr. Hoey's lack of cooperation with authorities.
Kyle Mattson
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 4:41 a.m.
EHA2- The robbery case was dropped in June: http://bit.ly/aadc-hoey
justcurious
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 1:10 a.m.
Always a victim. What is the truth. I think we know. http://heritage.com/articles/2012/09/07/dexter_leader/news/doc504a5f82bb58a956239203.txt?viewmode=2
MARK
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 12:47 a.m.
The result of a mostly pie diet
JRW
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 11:47 p.m.
Hoey always has an excuse....just bought them, nursing them back to health....yeah right. Thank goodness that these poor animals have been seized so they can get proper care. Put this guy out of business.
Dexter
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 10:40 p.m.
why weren't all the animals taken????
shepard145
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 10:21 p.m.
Once again, working farmer is under siege by folks who know nothing about farms or livestock beyond what they see in tv cartoons. The bottom line is that Hoey's business is too close to the suburbs to survive for much longer. He is also not the most PC or even pleasant guy in town, which I'm sure does not help when he's nagged into explaining animal care to texting Volvo jockeys in their way back to their house full of cats.
Ann23
Sun, Sep 9, 2012 : 12:12 a.m.
Goats deserve respect and proper care too, and can probably be lovely animals, I just never owned any because of the goat at a friends farm that liked to but it's horns into me when I was a child.
Ann23
Sun, Sep 9, 2012 : 12:08 a.m.
I'm not a Bambi hugger, I've been hunting and know hunters who care about not causing the animal avoidable pain. I don't object to the activity itself. I have raised and cared for livestock and know many, many others who have done the same. My opinion is that your generalizations and conclusions are completely wrong and I hope you are not currently responsible for the care of any animals. While I'm not a fan of goats and have never owned them, I think horses are beautiful and intelligent animals who deserve respect and to be cared for properly, no matter what purpose they are being used for. Almost every livestock owner I know feels the same way and, is as likely as anybody else to be on this site. When I was younger my 27 year old Arabian ran up and put himself between me and a couple of thoroughbreds who were stampeding in my direction while I was out in the pasture. That was his character. I stopped taking my children and my daycare children to Jenny's (we loved the place) when I saw Burton Hoey mercilessly kicked an old dog there in the ribs. Every one of the dogs ribs were very clearly defined. The dog, who was chained up along the path to the outhouse, did nothing more than jump up on my son. Dogs do that, my son was not injured, and I did not complain or become upset about what the dog did. I was however very disturbed at the way Burton Hoey treated the dog. His ribs had no padding or protection from Burton Hoey's foot.
shepard145
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 4:02 p.m.
That's almost what I'm saying ....but would still exclude the Bambi huggers - certainly there is no law against them living on farms as well, though there is nothing like a decade working on a real farm to cure "animal lovers" of their infatuations.
clownfish
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 3:17 p.m.
Sorry Mr Shephard145, I grew up working with animals, I run a small business and don't watch cartoons. Any other misinformed comments?
J-smith
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 2:56 p.m.
Actually, the staff at the Humane Society knows a lot about animals and farming, as do the people that make the calls to the Humane Society. Burtons problem is that he does not seem to know how to follow basic rules of safety, food preparation or running a business that involves animals. If this were an isolated incident you might have a case, buts seeing as a woman was paralyzed working for him, the twp has a laundry list of violations, the Humane Society has a long history of complaints against him and he had a "mystery robbery" I would suggest the crux of the problem is Mr Hoey, not some idea you have about Yuppies.
Ann23
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 12:34 a.m.
Oops, should be a 2 not a 3.
Ann23
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 12:33 a.m.
So, you're saying that people who do know about farms and livestock would never be on an Internet news site or voice opinions on news articles? LOL!!!! What is not so funny is that you seem to be saying that people who raise and care for livestock would find Burton Hoey's behavior and treatment of his animals acceptable. Also, the Dexter Leader said 7 horses were confiscated, not 3
justcurious
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 11:49 p.m.
You don't seem to realize that those people who you made disparaging comments about are the very people who have been supporting him and visiting the market with their kids over the years. Dexter was a farm town first and the locals know history and don't patronize this "farmer". The only thing he has grown himself were a few pumpkins. The rest he buys off semis or at Gordon Foods. You don't have a clue about this "farmer".
shepard145
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 10:56 p.m.
Not kidding. There is a big difference between men who ranch and farm with animals and overly opinionated "animal lovers" in the burbs. They don't mix well and are best kept a mile or so apart.
Dexter
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 10:43 p.m.
Your joking right
huh7891
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 10:41 p.m.
Oh pleassseeee! Volvo jockeys...best laugh of the day and far from the truth.
Dexter
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 10:19 p.m.
Have you noticed nothing is Hoey fault! I rescued a horse that was so skinny & with in 2 months looking Awesome! Have talk to so many people that know for a fact he doesn't even like horses! Also a friend of mine called me Thursday morning she drive by there everyday & was saying how skinny the horses were! Said she hasn't seen hay out in a long time. It about time!!!! Now let's get the rest of the animals away from him so sick of the abuse!
Fredric
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 8:02 p.m.
Funny how he is always being picked on, Never his fault. !!
justcurious
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 11:51 p.m.
Tonight he finally had a large round bail and they were all clustered around eating it furiously. Your friend is not the only one who has noticed skinny horses.
G. Orwell
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 10:14 p.m.
Why are there so many armed raids by black masked police and confiscations to peaceful businesses? Can't adults work things out without such tyrannical show of force. Shame on the Humane Society for this raid. It appears they timed it to do maximum damage to a long standing business. It is too bad even the Humane Siciety has turned to such unreasonable tactics. What is this country turning into?
Fredric
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 7:59 p.m.
Burton has many opportunities to get his act straight!! He just doesn't care!! Does what he wants and that is all. I know some of his former employees and he treated them the same. !!
justcurious
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 11:53 p.m.
G. I sincerely hope you are saying all of this with tongue in cheek, but can't tell.
shepard145
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 11:26 p.m.
Look you you're referring to. This is the Bambi army doing battle with their IPhones with the Police and Humane Society on speed dial. They think a working farm or ranch is just a bigger version of their family room of cats. They days when a police officer dropped by and had a few laughs with a farmer about the 15 calls a week they get from hysterical suburban Volvo jockey "animal lovers" are long gone.
Dexter
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 10:47 p.m.
have you ever seen the animals & how they are treated?? very sad!
DJBudSonic
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 10:06 p.m.
It only took six years since I called the Humane Society for them to act. Better late than never, I guess.
arborani
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 3:22 a.m.
It would appear HSHV *has* been there a number of times over a considerable period. Perhaps they didn't report to DJBudSonic?
justcurious
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 11:55 p.m.
DJBudSonic, many are saying this tonight. I'm sure there are many knowledgeable volunteers who would be willing to be deputized to check out reports like this. The TWO animal cruelty investigators probably are overworked, but that is the way the Human Society chooses to spend the money I guess. Nice facility but only two investigators.
Dexter
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 10:50 p.m.
It is so sad how the Humane Society would love to do more there hands are tied. I know through doing a rescue & they have to abide by stupid laws, So very sad for the animals.
Treelover
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 9:08 p.m.
PLEASE support the HSHV!! With budgets being cut they can use any help you can give. This is just one example of the great work they do!! PLEASE GIVE!! Thanks for reading
shepard145
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 3:12 a.m.
Yea, studies show that liberals don't like to give to charity for many reasons - the most prevalent is they think "the government" should do it. ...except that the government has no money - only the power to take ours. Yes I have been through there - looks fine - no better or worse then most farms. The hysteria is coming from the Bambi hugging crowd who don't know what they're yammering about.
Treelover
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 11:28 p.m.
shepard145 My tax dollars pay for nearly half of americans getting some type of goverment assistance. I do support human assistance organizations. Have you vistied the location and witnessed the conditions? Its easy to be negitive and comment on events/person you know little to noting about.
shepard145
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 10:24 p.m.
Yea, how about donating money in support of needy human families. One of the most disgusting facts about this generation of Americans is that today it's easier to raise money in support of animals then it is families in need.
justanotheropinion
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 9:01 p.m.
ChelseaBob - where do you get your information from? The HSHV officers do have law enforcement powers, so the article isn't actually misleading at all. They are the ones that investigate the crime and charge the people when it comes to animals.
Elaine F. Owsley
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 8:44 p.m.
This is welcome news. Many complaints about Hoey's treatment of his animals have been filed with the Human Society over the years. It's time the animals got some relief.
shepard145
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 10:24 p.m.
Obviously you don't have enough to do during the day.
snoopjane
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 8:35 p.m.
Thank God! This guy has NEVER treated his animals right! The Humane Society has been out there more than once over the condition of his animals!
Santiago
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 8:27 p.m.
In every front page headline Mr Hoey creates, no matter the case, he is always the victim. Even when there are documented customers turned victims on his property. I feel bad for the collateral damage/embarrasment this has caused for the other family members
Halter
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.
Every story has two sides...I don't know the people involved, and have never been to this establishment. But it sounds to me like the owner WAS trying to address the issues related to the seizure of the animals. Why blame him? On the other hand, it is good someone else might be able to step in to help more, and it sounds like its for the best. But it really riles me that our Ann Arbor dot com readers are so harsh to criticize their neighbors and blame them even when they don't know the facts.
justcurious
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 9:18 p.m.
Halter, this has not been going on just for the last couple of years, as Ms. Owsley said, there are decades of history here. The "why's everyone picking on me" attitude has grown old for people who have been privy to that history.
Elaine F. Owsley
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 8:46 p.m.
We've witnessed the abuse for decades. It really is time some action was taken.
Nick Danger
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:47 p.m.
Burton Hoey finds himself in hot water again.This is not the first time he has come to the attention of the Humane Society.I for one will not be shopping at Jenny's regardless of how much I like their hot pickles.
Audrey
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.
Kudos to the HVHS personnel for doing their job -- and doing it well. It's not easy, but they are stellar. Jenny's continues to be fraught with issues. I wouldn't entrust my health and safety or that of my family to the facility. Time for new ownership.
Em
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:44 p.m.
Just shut this place down already.
ChelseaBob
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:31 p.m.
The humane society didn't seize anything. The sheriffs dept seized the animals with the assistance of the humane society (both in determining neglect and handling the animals). The humane society is not a governmental agency and has no law enforcement powers. The article is misleading the way it is written.
shepard145
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 3:07 a.m.
Do they get toy guns to?
Jennifer Paillon
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 9:56 p.m.
I'm sorry, but you are incorrect. They are deputized and do the majority of animal cruelty investigations in the county.
cab48130
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:27 p.m.
From what I understand the Hoey Farm does not include Burton Hoey's Jennys Farmer Market. Zingerman bought the old farmhouse along with acreage. If the Humane Society didn't notify B. Hoey in advance they were wrong. They should have at least warned him to clean up his act.
Elaine F. Owsley
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 8:50 p.m.
Warning him has practically been an annual event for the HVHS. I believe it was the chef from Zingerman's who bought the house and farm property fairly recently. How many warnings would want him to have beyond the 30 or 40 he's had.
cibachrome
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:27 p.m.
The summer drought will bring on large numbers of large animal neglect within a few months. Pastures have dried up and responsible owners have been feeding hay intended for use this coming winter. Meanwhile hay growth has been about 1/2 of normal, so hay production has been limited. Hay prices on Craigslist are about 4 - 5 times higher than normal. And, it will only get worse. Owners are being advised to buy straw now and supplement it with other things to keep them warm and alive this winter. Many will go to slaughter because of cost, health, abandonment and neglect issues. There is help available from rescue organizations but they have to be informed.
Laurie Burg
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 10:07 p.m.
100% correct. Large animals are in for a hard time. This statement is certainly true: "There is help available from rescue organizations but they have to be informed." But I'd like to add they must also be FUNDED. Please donate cash, feed, hay, to your nearest rescue! Here is just one good one: http://www.starryskiesequinerescueandsanctuary.com/index.html or on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Starry-Skies-Equine-Rescue-and-Sanctuary/136790443085102
Buzz
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 6:42 p.m.
Isn't it funny how when people are the victims, there are a bunch of posters saying "innocent until proven guilty" but when an animal is the victim, its time to hang the guy.
Jen Eyer
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 2:16 p.m.
Yes, animals, and small children for that matter, make much more sympathetic victims. If you believe any comments cross the line, you can use the "Report Abuse" button to have a moderator re-evaluate it.
buzz
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 1:40 a.m.
There's so much history to this story that people have heard enough to make up their minds. Many, like me, have seen the evidence with their own eyes and aren't interested in the excuses this man's defense attorney could come up with.
bobslowson
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 8:06 p.m.
Because animals cannot defend or speak up for themselves....we as humans need to protect them
Lola
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:32 p.m.
Yes, Buzz, the people commenting here seem like they're ready to lynch the ALLEGED animal abuser. Why is AA.com allowing these comments? It's not that I don't believe the accusations, I've just seen comments deleted for less.
Jojo B
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:08 p.m.
"Innocent until proven guilty" is a concept for how the legal system should treat a defendant. You and I as thinking humans have every right to think and form our own opinions about situations. If I see somebody abusing his family or animals, I don't need the judicial system to tell me whether I think he's guilty or not.
Buzz
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 6:43 p.m.
I am not condoning the owner's behavior. Just commenting onthe reaction of the people who post.
rosy12
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 6:31 p.m.
Thank you HSHV for stepping in and being the voice and protecting these animals.
Kitty O'Brien
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 6:28 p.m.
If you are listening Burton, please shut down that cruel pony carousel. If you are going to have pony rides then do it humanely.
Elaine F. Owsley
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 10:34 p.m.
I've reported that myself in the past. In 95 degree weather, with no riders, the ponies were forced to go around and around because they were tethered to a moving wheel.
Bill Wilson
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 6:27 p.m.
I'm sorry Mr. Hoey, but I'd prefer any error made to be one that is in favor of the animals, and having more eyes on them and their care can only help them. You yourself asked for 2 weeks to correct issues: 2 weeks is far too long, and to me, seems to indicate that their health is not your priority.
widmer
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 11:42 p.m.
You bring up an excellent point; If a person is advised that animals in his care are suffering, why suggest that he should be given two weeks to fix it?
Always Amazed
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 6:03 p.m.
I think it would go a long way toward rehabilitating the image of this business (if that's possible) if Hoey would get rid of the animals altogether. I for one, had I small children, would not be allowing them on ponies owned by this establishment. I don't know the facts behind the lawsuit and must presume innocence until proven guilty, but at least the word on the street is that neglect is possible and may have caused harm to both Ms. Armbruster and animals on the property. In the meantime, I take my business elsewhere.
Always Amazed
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 4:10 p.m.
Widmer--as I said, I will take my business elsewhere until he is proven innocent in a court of law. I do not presume he is guilty--I am withholding my business from his establishment pending the outcome, just as I might stop patronizing any business that gets this kind of consistent, negative publicity over a period of years. I wouldn't react this way to one incident, one negative article with unproven allegations; but come on--how many different ways can this guy find to get his name in the paper?
widmer
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 11:40 p.m.
Your actions are already in consideration of him being guilty, rather than presuming innocence. I mean, it does overwhelmingly sound like he is guilty of doing things wrong, but let's be honest...
Goofus
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 5:41 p.m.
Loooooooong time overdue.
PineyWoodsGuy
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 5:17 p.m.
@ Justcurious. You posted "Hoey's family sold most of the property." That's called "Estate Planning." It's done when you either get old, or get sued.
Townie
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 4:29 p.m.
Thanks PineyWoodsGuy -- didn't know that. Pretty clear statement on where they stand.It seems like they were saying 'enough of this circus'. I dealt the owner a couple of times and he was pretty off the wall. Needs adult supervision for sure.
justcurious
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
PineyWoodsGuy, he was left the farmstand property by his mother. His siblings got the rest of the property. They didn't live there, he did. When they sold, he lost use of the property, which includes 24 acres, the big white house and the small yellow one on the hill.
Johnson48racing
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:06 p.m.
Exactly!
arborani
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 5:03 p.m.
This is just one example of the many special HSHV services we can't afford to have curtailed.
A2Writer
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 11:29 p.m.
@arborani - I agree completely.
justcurious
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 4:51 p.m.
I've been noticing that some of the horses that didn't get removed have ribs showing. Hoey's family sold most of the property, so that is probably his reason for discontinuing the hayrides. I would imagine the ponies will be walking the ring again though for hours at a time.
justcurious
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:36 p.m.
Johnson48 racing, No, I don't think. He didn't stop them last year after she was paralyzed. He stopped for maybe 3 days then continued on.
Johnson48racing
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:06 p.m.
Or the women who got ran over last year may have had a role in the discontinuing of the rides ya think?
Guinea Pig in a Tophat
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 4:42 p.m.
"They should have pointed out what they thought was wrong and gave me a couple of weeks to make any correction that I could make." If the animals were in poor enough health to the point where they needed to be seized, Huey should not be owning them. Also, hasn't the Humane Society received calls every year regarding the treatment of animals at this place?
RuralMom
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 4:52 p.m.
Exactly! Mr Hoey's treatment of his animals has been an ongoing contention within the community for years now. So to say he didn't know is malarkey! Also playing the devils advocate, even if he DID NOT KNOW, you would think he would have figured it out before he amassed a bunch of them. If we believe him that they were damaged & neglected prior to getting them on his property, then he would have previous vet reports for having them taken care of from the very beginning! It doesn't ever add up where Burton Hoey's concerned, other than someone somewhere human or animal, is getting the short end of the stick so that Hoey can advance himself.
Elijah Shalis
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 4:40 p.m.
Disgusting. People should take care of their animals!
Jack
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 3:14 a.m.
You don't really know that he's not.
EyeHeartA2
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 4:32 p.m.
Until last year, Hoey had offered hayrides on the property, but said he has decided to end those. "There's just too much to do," he said. - yep, that must be it. Too much to do.
EyeHeartA2
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 2:26 a.m.
@Lola: I cut and paste. I'm too lazy to type more than I have to. Changed? perhaps. "Corrected" assumes we know what is correct..
Sammikay
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 12:38 a.m.
That's not what happened at all.. some woman was paralyzed on a hayride there. http://www.annarbor.com/news/woman-paralyzed-in-hayride-accident-files-lawsuit/
Lola
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:33 p.m.
"It's just too much," he said. Did you misread or was it corrected?