Dogs have 24 hours until they will be put down

Hinkley family agrees to give up pets

More than 100 animals at property declared abandoned, must be removed

November 08, 2010 5:30 PM

By AARON DOME, staff writer

BARSTOW • Two siblings who own more than 70 dogs and other animals on their 20 acre property in Hinkley pleaded no contest to one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty in a plea bargain agreement at the Barstow courthouse on Monday afternoon.

As part of the plea agreement, Cindy Downing and Mardell Stovall will face four years probation prohibiting them from having any pets or animals in their care or control or on the property where they live. They also face fines of $180 each and are subject to having their property searched.

Shortly after Downing and Stovall made the plea, animal control officers arrived on the Stovall property on Highway 58 to evaluate the condition of animals on the property and were prepared to issue citations to Terry Stovall, who looked after the property after his siblings were arrested.

Terry agreed to declare the animals abandoned to avoid being cited, and has until 3 p.m. Tuesday to remove the animals from the property. After 3 p.m., they may be seized by animal control officers.

Brian Cronin, Chief of county animal control, said that the animals may not be taken immediately if they are provided with food and water. Cronin says he hopes someone will come forward and take responsibility for the animals. Anyone who does identify themselves as owners of the animals would face approximately $10,000 in fines.

Downing and Stovall originally faced 30 felony counts of animal cruelty for not providing adequate shade for their animals. They were arrested and taken into custody on Oct. 8.

Downing and Stovall’s late father, Mardell Stovall Sr., has kept dogs on the property since moving there in 1985. The Stovalls were in trouble previously in 2005 when Stovall Sr. was found guilty of operating an illegal kennel and cattery. The conviction was later dropped when Stovall Sr. agreed to reduce the number of animals on his property.

Per county code, the Stovalls can only have 4 dogs or cats on their property.

Steve Gardner, nephew of Terry, said that his family will try to contact animal shelters and give the estimated 73 dogs, 30 cats, goat and donkey away before 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Terry is keeping the family’s horse, and has until 3 p.m. Tuesday to construct a shelter.

Those who wish adopt one of the dogs may call the Stovall residence at 760-307-3098.

Siblings with 70 dogs arrested, jailed

Hinkley residents face animal cruelty charges

October 28, 2010 2:50 PM

By AARON DOME, staff writer

BARSTOW • Mardell Stovall, who keeps approximately 70 dogs on his property in Hinkley, was arrested along with his sister Cindy Downing at the Barstow Courthouse Thursday morning on animal cruelty charges.

Stovall said that he takes in strays and other unwanted dogs for a better life at his rural 20 acre spread on State Highway 58, but prosecutors filed charges based on reports of county animal control officers.

The Stovall family was in legal trouble previously when Stovall’s late father, Mardell Stovall Sr., was found guilty of operating an illegal kennel or cattery in 2005. A judge dismissed the charges after Stovall reduced the number of animals on his property.

Brieann Durose, prosecutor for the case, is currently on leave and could not be reached for comment.

San Bernardino County Animal Control Program Manager Greg Beck said that charges were filed based on the condition of animals that county officers observed, but would not elaborate citing a pending criminal case.

Downing said that animal control officers who visited the property didn’t like the fact that many of the dogs were restrained with chains.

Stovall and Downing’s sister, Rebecca Banuelos, who lives in Riverside, said she was shocked when she heard the news of her sibling’s arrest Thursday morning, and that Stovall and Downing need to be home to assist their other siblings — who suffer from a blood disorder — at the property.

“There is nothing cruel going on (at the property), there is no cruelty,” said Banuelos. “The only cruelty is from county officials.”

Currently, Stovall faces 30 counts of animal cruelty as well as numerous violations of county code for possessing unvaccinated and unlicensed dogs.

Stovall and Downing were booked into the Barstow Sheriff’s jail Thursday morning in lieu of $100,000 bail each and transferred to West Valley Detention Center that afternoon.

Stovall and Downing have a pre-preliminary hearing scheduled for Nov. 3 at the Barstow courthouse. Officials from the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office were unable to provide an estimated sentence if Stovall and Downing are convicted.

Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4126 or adome@desertdispatch.com

Hinkley Family with 70 Dogs Face New Legal Troubles

Hinkley family with 70 dogs faces new legal troubles

County files animal cruelty charges

October 27, 2010 4:55 PM

By AARON DOME, staff writer

HINKLEY • A Hinkley family that encountered legal trouble in 2005 because of the large number of dogs on their 20 acre property is once again facing charges.

Mardell Stovall Jr. says his family provides a shelter for dogs that have nowhere else to go, but prosecutors have filed charges of animal cruelty based on their assessment of the condition of the animals.

As Stovall walks around his property he greets every dog by name and knows all of their stories. Some were found in the street emaciated and others were dropped off by their former owners who couldn’t care for them. Although all of the dogs are restrained with chains or kept in pens they appear happy and greet Stovall with smile.

Stovall is set for an arraignment on Nov. 30 for numerous charges of keeping unlicensed and unvaccinated dogs, and also faces 30 counts of animal cruelty. At Stovall’s original arraignment hearing on Sept. 20 Judge Glenn Yabuno gave Stovall until Nov. 30 to obtain a kennel permit, and charges of animal cruelty as well as a warrant for his arrest were filed later the same day.

Per county code, only five or fewer cats or dogs are allowed on a property of over 20,000 square feet without a kennel permit.

Stovall’s late father Mardell Stovall Sr. was found guilty of operating an illegal kennel and cattery in 2005 but the charges were later dismissed after Stovall agreed to move some of the dogs off of his property. Stovall Sr. died in July and the younger Stovall says that the dog compound is a symbol of the generosity and kind spirit of his father.

Deputy District Attorney Brieann Durose, prosecutor for the case, is currently away from her office on leave and could not be reached for comment.

Greg Beck, program manager for San Bernardino County Animal Control, said charges were based on the condition of animals that animal control officers observed when they visited Stovall’s property, but would not elaborate further, citing a pending criminal case.

Stovall’s sister, Cindy Downing, who lives with her brother on the property, said that she believes animal control was contacted when sheriff’s deputies were in the area on an unrelated call. Sheriff’s officials said they have no record of visiting the Stovall house recently but said that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.

Stovall said that his family provides a good home for dogs that would otherwise have to fend for themselves. He said animal control officers didn’t like the fact that many of the dogs are on chains but said his dogs get plenty of exercise and access to shade.

“We just need the county to stay away,” said Stovall. “These are lovable dogs ... the county is coming after us and we’re doing them a favor by taking these dogs in.”

Downing agrees.

“There is no reason for any of this,” said Downing. “Animals shouldn’t have to pay because (their original owners) can’t take care of them. “I’m tired of walking on eggshells, these animals are loved and they are not unhappy.”

Stovall said he is trying obtain a kennel permit and construct pens for his dogs, but doesn’t currently have the money to obtain a permit. Stovall said he plans to visit the Barstow courthouse on Thursday to try and settle matters.

Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4126 or adome@desertdispatch.com

Strays Given a Stay

Archived Story

Saturday, August 13, 2005

Strays given a stay

By KAREN STAPLEY/Staff Writer
BARSTOW -- A Hinkley family that rescues stray animals must get rid of one dog and one cat per week for the next year until they are in compliance with the law, a Barstow judge ruled Thursday.
Mardell "Mickey" Stovall and his family have 69 dogs on their 20-acre homestead along Highway 58. County law allows four dogs and four cats per household without a special license.
Stovall must report to Barstow court every Friday at 8:30 a.m. to prove he is abiding by the order.
"I will do whatever I have to do. It's better than before," Stovall said after hearing the judge's compromise.
Judge John Gibson had ordered Wednesday that all but four of the dogs be removed by 4 p.m. that day, but gave the family a last-minute reprieve after visiting the site. Gibson said Stovall was found guilty on June 16 for having an illegal kennel and cattery and he has done nothing to comply.
The Desert Dispatch has received many calls from readers offering help following an article on Thursday.
"I am grateful for what everybody is doing, but I feel uneasy," Stovall said. "I am not asking for help but if people genuinely want to help I won't refuse. But that is not what this is about. I just want to keep my dogs."
"All the animals appear to be healthy," Doug Smith, San Bernardino County animal health investigator said earlier in the week. "The majority appear very friendly. The only problem is they have too many."
Smith said Stovall could apply for a special non-profit permit which would allow him to have an animal sanctuary if he complies with the rules first.
"He has to comply first because they will not issue a permit for somebody already in violation," Smith said.
People who want to adopt a dog or help should call 253-3119.
Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4126 or karen_stapley@link.freedom.com

Family Fights for their 69 dogs

Archived Story

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Family fights for their 69 dogs

By KAREN STAPLEY
Staff Writer
HINKLEY -- A Barstow court ordered a family who take in stray dogs and cats to get rid of all but four of their dogs. A long line of county vehicles were prepared to begin removing the animals Wednesday before a last-minute reprieve from the judge presiding over the case.
Mardell "Mickey" Stovall and his family have 69 dogs on their 20-acre homestead along Highway 58.
"We bring home and look after dogs we find in the desert that are abandoned and disorientated," Stovall said. "We have been caring for many of the dogs for years. I don't feel it's right we are being punished for doing something good."
Judge John Gibson, who also visited the site Wednesday, said sentencing was continued until today. At that time he will determine a time frame for Stovall to comply with the county ordinance.

The Stovall family are fighting to keep their 69 dogs. Most of the dogs were strays that the family rescued. Many of the dogs are kept in pens and the rest are secured by chain. An animal health investigator said the dogs are healthy, there are just too many of them.

Gibson said Stovall was found guilty on June 16 for having an illegal kennel and cattery. He said Stovall has done nothing to comply.
"All the animals appear to be healthy," Doug Smith, San Bernardino County animal health investigator said. "The majority appear very friendly. The only problem is they have too many."
Smith said households are only allowed to have four dogs without a special permit.
"I understand that in cities and populated areas that there have to be limits," Stovall said. "But we live in the desert on 20 acres. The rules shouldn't apply to a remote area like ours."
Smith said Stovall could apply for a special non-profit permit which would allow him to have an animal sanctuary if he complies with the rules first.
"He has to comply first because they will not issue a permit for somebody already in violation," Smith said.
Stovall said he started taking in stray cats and dogs when he moved to Hinkley in 1985. He said his dogs are not bothering anybody.
"We have lived next door to the same neighbors for almost 20 years and they have never complained," Stovall said.
All the dogs are in pens or on chains and not running free or causing problems, Stovall said.
Stovall said the dogs are a form of therapy for his four adult sons who have a genetic blood deficiency and still live at home.
"These dogs mean everything to them," Stovall said. "The depend on them for companionship."
He said his sons spend all day looking after the dogs and would be distraught if they lose their dogs.
Stovall said he had a license for a kennel called "Save the Strays" but the county would not renew it because he has more dogs than the rules allow.
Stovall said county representatives learned of the dogs when his house burned down in January.
He said when the county came to fight the fire they told him he had to get rid of most of them.
Stovall and his family are still waiting for insurance to fix the house. They are living in trailers until their house is fixed.
He said this year he applied for the permit but the county did not grant the license or refund the fees.
Stovall said they feed and pay for the dogs themselves. He said he spends about $500 a month on food.
"We have never asked for help from anyone," Stovall said. "We just want to be able to keep our dogs."
He said the court suggested he give the dogs to a licensed animal rescue facility.
"Why take mine when they can't afford to take care of what they have?" Stovall said. "We just want to keep giving a loving home to the animals we have."
Stovall's sons can name every dog. They know where each dog came from and how long they have been there.
"They already have a home why should we pay someone else to take them?" Stovall said. "They wouldn't be able to walk around and tell you who's who, how old they are and how they got here."
Eighty percent of the dogs were strays which were rescued, Stovall said.
Stovall said he does not understand why the county would take away dogs they rescued that are well looked after.
Stovall has 19 citations, two notice violations and 69 counts of unlicensed dogs.
"We can't afford to license all the dogs," Stovall said. "They come after us because they know where we are and are easy to find."
He said he worries what would happen to the dogs if they are taken away. Stovall hopes to get a permit for an animal sanctuary and keep all the dogs. He said if he has to get rid of the dogs he wants them to go to a good home.
People who want to adopt a dog should call 253-3119.
"Each dog has their own personality just like a child," Stovall said. "Giving up a dog is like giving up one of your kids."
Contact the writer: (760) 256-4126 or karen_stapley@link.freedom.com

Friday, October 8, 2004

Letters to the Editor

Animal control officers should be more tolerant of violations in remote areas
I am writing to you as a concerned senior citizen, my letter may not mean much, however I am penning it any way. Just to feel that I have made a statement of my feelings, which by the way is the same as a large number of people old and young that live in remote areas of our counties.
Over the years of living in the desert we have retrieved several animals from certain death or worse. We have fed these animals for over 20 years and kept them off of the highways and streets. We feel we have not only saved animal lives, but also may have saved many human lives as well.
As we live on State Highway 58 in Hinkley and if you have ever traveled between Barstow and Bakersfield you know how dangerous a road that is. We feel if it were not for people like us these animals can cause serious accidents by running free and not being controlled. The county animal control, of which there really isn't, would like to take away our animals and place them (they say) in homes.
But my animals already have a home, some for over 15 years. They say they can't afford to take care of them so why do they want to bother us. They don't help us with the feed bills or offer any help. We do the best that is possible to care for them. They don't bother anyone. Also I have my boys that get a disability SSI and the animals are their friends.
We may have hard moments at times but we will not turn away from our responsibility. I know people, older people that sacrifice for their animals because they are all that they have in their lives. Where we live they also depend on them for companionship and protection.
I understand that in cities and populated areas there has to be limits, but they should not apply to remote areas like ours.
When they are in fenced areas, or on chains and pens they make us take out a permit as a breeding kennel and we are not a breeding kennel. We are only trying to save animals from dying in the desert or being put to sleep by a county agency that complains about the cost of keeping them.
Each and everyone of them has their own personality just like children. And to seniors that's exactly what they are.
We see animals running loose, some in packs, that never get bothered because they don't know who the owners are. But folks like us are easy to find. Why bother looking for owners of strays. All we want is to be left alone and take care of our animals.
They are our protection and our friends, and for a lot of people all they have to give purpose to their lives. But we feel that as long as we take care of them we don't think they need to take our animals to find homes when they already have a home.
I know this letter is not the best but I hope you get the idea.
Mickey Stovall, Hinkley