UPDATE:
RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 72-year-old Kenneth Jobbins of Rapid City for 13 counts of animal neglect.
Fourteen horses and two donkeys were impounded from the residence in the 5000 block of 143rd Avenue north of Rapid City, Thursday morning, January 5, 2023. The Sheriff’s Office and partners continue to work through the care and feeding of the animals.
For those wishing to help with the associated costs, please contact Investigator Jake Fredericksen at the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office at (605) 394-6115. A GoFundMe account was created by Happy Tails Haven Horse Rescue, found on their Facebook page. https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-143rd-st-horses…
This remains an active and open investigation and additional charges may be pending.
The charges are merely accusations, and the arrested individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Any additional details regarding this case can be obtained from the Pennington County State’s Attorney and/or court records as appropriate.
Original Story…
RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office seized 14 horses and two donkeys as they continue a criminal investigation into the deaths of other horses.
Thursday morning, the sheriff’s office executed a search warrant at the 5000 block of 143rd Avenue in rural Rapid City. The animals were taken to a secure, undisclosed location where they will receive veterinary attention, according to a release from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began after a complaint was filed Dec. 28, about horses on the property being found dead following the December snowstorms. Photographs taken by concerned people showed the horses dead and scattered around the property. The sheriff’s office didn’t release how many horses had died but some estimates put the number at 12.
The sheriff’s office and the South Dakota Animal Industry Board are heading the investigation. According to the release, more information will be released later.
People can help with the cost of care and feeding of the seized animals by contacting Investigator Jake Fredericksen at the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office at (605) 394-6113.
