Dec. 04--A petting zoo owner was sentenced Friday to 90 days in Kane County Jail after she pleaded guilty to a count of misdemeanor animal cruelty brought after authorities seized more than 90 horses and other animals that were in an unhealthy state.
In a negotiated plea with prosecutors, Stacy Fiebelkorn, 36, of Elgin, admitted guilt in exchange for the jail sentence, a two-year term of probation and an agreement that bars her from owning animals. Prosecutors dismissed other counts that had been brought against her as part of the plea.
"There is a national consensus that animal abuse should be treated as a serious crime. This sentence reflects that expectation," Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon said. "Thanks to all of the volunteers who stepped forward in response to these animals in need."
Fiebelkorn's attorney, Jamie Wombacher, declined to comment Friday.
Fiebelkorn had been the owner and operator of a rescue organization and petting zoo, but in early March 2014 county animal control was informed there was a dead horse on a farm near Maple Park. During an inspection, authorities found a carcass and animals in need of medical care and access to water.
They later determined that Fiebelkorn owned the animals, along with many more housed on farmland she rented near Hampshire. After her arrest, dozens of volunteers helped transport a menagerie that include horses, goats, mini-horses and caged rabbits.
Fiebelkorn relinquished control of the smaller animals and later was forced by court order to surrender control of about 30 equines she had wanted to retain.
Authorities speculated that Fiebelkorn may have become overwhelmed after taking in more animals than she could care for. She had operated an organization called Mini Zoo Crew, which offered a petting zoo and horse rides, and solicited funds for animal rescue operations.
"Our focus and goal is to show these amazing animals the love and kindness they deserve after the mistreatment they didn't deserve," the organization's website said in 2014.
Fiebelkorn had been charged with about 20 animal-related ordinance violations in 2008, according to court records.
Clifford Ward is a freelance reporter.
