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More than 100 animals were seized this week from the Laughing Valley Ranch southwest of Idaho Springs, whose owner, Bill Lee, is beloved locally for his portrayal of Santa Claus.
On Wednesday the Clear Creek Sheriff’s Office, along with 13 other agencies, seized geese, dogs, llamas, rabbits, mules, horses, goats, sheep, a pony, alpacas, cats — and reindeer. Officials indicated there were concerns about the animals living in unsanitary conditions.
Lee, who is widely known for his portrayals of Santa Claus and other colorful characters, also features some of the animals in petting zoos at local events.
"I didn't really fully understand it," Lee said Friday of the seizure of his animals. "I have been addressing some issues (the county has) brought about. … I thought that my animals were in good shape and well cared for."
Sheriff's Capt. Bruce Snelling said the animals were seized Wednesday morning by more than a dozen law-enforcement officials. The Sheriff’s Office said an investigation will continue, and that it could be several weeks before the district attorney makes a decision on filing charges..." More
4 comments:
Amazing part is the only animal that needed Vet attention was a CHICKEN! That Chicken was cleared and returned to Animal Control. Bill Lee is a piece of our History in the High Country. He lives like a Mountain Man because this is how he makes his living. Red Tail the Mountain Man. Some of the animals that were removed were given to Bill Lee by Animal Control because no one else wanted them. Bill Loved them every day...Sad Story...the truth of this story will come out soon. Folks this could be you if you are Hanging onto your older animals. Bill believed that the animal should live out its days with him. No Law says that it can't…only opinion…Lets have the talk…Lets stand behind a man that has served the animal world with Horner.
It is a sad state of affairs,it has happened in park county as well.and the animals where sick they filed charges and those poor people have had threats. i wish him luck and hope he has good legal help if he does not post bond on them he well looose them all.good luck with getting the facts out
They just hit Mr. Lee with 16 more accounts of Animal Cruelty. 14 chickens (all healthy), 1 Cat (tarter on teeth), 1 Reindeer (Very old Cow). They want $17,000 in ten days or he loses all 104 animals. Plus another $30,000 for the Search Warrant. Did you know that a Animal Control Officer can be as young as 21 and is only required to have 100 Hours of training. The training is done by The Colorado Animal Control Officers Association. The State and County do almost no training. Only the Private Association that gets outside funding does the training. I personally have heard one of the Animal Control Officers call a Burro a Horse. Bill needs $25,000 for a Lawyer ASAP!
They just hit Mr. Lee with 16 more accounts of Animal Cruelty. 14 chickens (all healthy), 1 Cat (tarter on teeth), 1 Reindeer (Very old Cow). They want $17,000 in ten days or he loses all 104 animals. Plus another $30,000 for the Search Warrant. Did you know that a Animal Control Officer can be as young as 21 and is only required to have 100 Hours of training. The training is done by The Colorado Animal Control Officers Association. The State and County do almost no training. Only the Private Association that gets outside funding does the training. I personally have heard one of the Animal Control Officers call a Burro a Horse. Bill needs $25,000 for a Lawyer ASAP!
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