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Wood County Woman Suspected of Running Puppy Mill Sentenced to 30 Days in Jail Save Email Print
Posted: 8:10 PM Apr 30, 2008
Last Updated: 4:38 PM May 1, 2008
Reporter: Margo Spann
Email Address: margo.spann@wsaw.com

A | A | A

A 64-year-old Wood County woman will spend 30 days in jail and three years on probation. Darlene Reno pleaded no contest to four counts of mistreating animals and one count of providing improper shelter for 77 dogs.

During her initial hearing Wednesday, Wood County Humane Officer Nancy Powell testified about the deplorable conditions on Reno's farm.

Powell says the animals were sick and injured and the conditions were filthy. Powell submitted hundreds of photos and a short video to back up the testimony.

Click here to view pictures (Note: some images are very disturbing).

In March, Reno surrendered more than 80 animals to the South Wood County Humane society and many are still recovering from injuries and illnesses. Two had to be euthanized. The testimony brought some in the court to tears.

Reno's lawyer argued that she has been a farmer for many years and has rescued many animals.

Witnesses also testified that Reno took good care of her animals, but Judge Gregory Potter disagreed. "If you are going to take on the task of having animals than you have to take on that task 100 percent."

Potter is allowing her to keep five dogs and three birds but says a probation officer will determine if other family members will be able to keep animals on the property.

Reno has 60 days to submit to the Wood County Jail to begin her sentence.

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Posted by: xena Location: brf on Jun 15, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Does anybody know what happened to the 18 Shetland Ponies Darlene had? They were not taken with the dogs, because they were considered livestock.

Posted by: Dianne Kongshaug Location: Wisconsin Rapids on May 3, 2008 at 05:09 PM
I personally went to the Wood Co Humane Society the day after they confiscated Reno's dogs, and I left in tears. In my opinion she should have been made to pay for the thousands of dollars it cost the society to fix these animals and she should never be allowed to keep animals again!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: manuela smith Location: colgate on May 3, 2008 at 12:56 PM
When will Wisconsin wake up.We need to shutdown puppymills for good.We need tougher laws.Govenor Doyle is doing absolutely nothing to change the laws.People need to get involved and demand the laws change.Join protests in your community to shut down petstores that buy from puppymills.Animals give us selfless devotion lets return the favor.

Posted by: puppypolice Location: central wisconsin on May 2, 2008 at 12:20 AM
I understand the outrage. But maybe it was best not to push this issue to a full trial, that the plea agreement was an acceptable option considering the circumstances in this particular case. It was unfortunate that this puppy mill has been in operation for about 30 years, but today is a new day and today those dogs are in a better place. Reno’s life will never, ever, ever be the same, not today, not tomorrow, not ever. I think the publicity has made a huge difference that goes far beyond Reno‘s sentencing. No more denial, no more turning our heads away, no more tolerance for breeders that sell for profit. We all have been touched and educated by something so sad, so horrific that our lives as well will never be the same. Because, now we know the truth…. and knowledge is Power, the power needed to recognize and report Puppy Mills, not just the remaining mills still in operating in Wood County, but all over Wisconsin. Please remember this: YOU can report suspected Puppy Mills or any animal abuse without leaving your name.

Posted by: Rene' Location: Wausau on May 1, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Thirty days is all?? Some of the pups didn't have paws from the mistreatment! If it had been a child, she would have been put in prison for years and years! I undestnad the difference, but those conditions were deplorable and inhumane, the sufferage of those dogs is unspeakable.

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