Preliminary hearings have been scheduled for two women from Wellston who were arrested as the result of an animal neglect investigation that began in March of this year and who are facing 49 charges each of animal cruelty.
Formal charges of cruelty to animals were filed in Lincoln County District Court on Aug. 17 against Lisa Zumstein, 60, and Madeline Zumstein, 20. Each faces the 49 felony counts.
Their pre-preliminary hearings were held Nov. 16. Their preliminary hearings are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Feb. 22, 2024.
Lincoln County Sheriff Sgt. Aaron Bennett has said at least 72 animals were rescued at the time of their arrest.
Bennett has emphasized, “In my 20 years of law enforcement this is the worst case of animal neglect I’ve ever seen.”
Bennett said 72 animals were rescued on July 26 as officers conducted their second search warrant within a week of the property located at 920028 S.
3370 Road in Wellston.
Among the animals rescued were six sheep, 13 goats, 29 horses and 22 cattle, actually 24 minus the two that had to be put down on the scene, Bennett stated.
Bennett, in a probable cause affidavit filed in the case, said the investigation began the morning of March 15 when Lincoln County Deputy Phil Bennett received information from Lincoln County Sgt. Tanner Hand regarding possible animal neglect at 920028 S. 3370 Road in Wellston.
Around 3:30 that afternoon, Deputy Bennett arrived at that property observing several baby goats running in the road and a large amount of trash in the roadway around the residence, according to the affidavit.
He reportedly observed a gray horse that looked unhealthy with ribs showing, that had not direct contact with feed or water, standing in a large trash pile that contained jagged metal, wire, chain link fencing, broken wood and other trash.