Calhan woman goes to jail after animal cruelty case
A woman from Calhan will be spending time in jail after being found guilty of animal cruelty for the second time.
At least 20 horses were found on Rachel Fleischaker’s ranch in Calhan, some without water.
Fleischaker will spend 10 days in jail and will not get her horses back.
KRDO Newschannel 13 was inside the courtroom Friday morning for her sentencing.
Fleischaker had no comment for us.
A group of women who have been following this case closely were inside the courtroom. They say they’re part of a group called Horse Advocates of Colorado.
“Horse owners in El Paso County are fed up with this kind of abuse going on with no punishment at the end,” said Anna Blake.
Although Fleischaker had nothing to say to us on camera, behind the courtroom doors she told the judge she took complete responsibility for her horses.
It was a sentiment the judge called nonsense.
“In this case the judge was adamant about her taking responsibility,” said Blake.
Fleischaker now faces 10 days in jail and 50 days of home detention, followed by five years of probation.
“We’re really happy that jail time was included. We’re happy that this was more than a slap on the wrist,” said Blake.
Fleischaker is not allowed to have any large breed animals in her care. She can also expect random check-ins at her ranch from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and the humane society.
“The herd was large. It started with 30 horses and we’re not certain they all survived,” said Blake.
We’re told the horses are now in good care at private farms. Eventually they will need a permanent home.
“We have eyes on the herd right now, most of them are doing better. They’re in new homes,” said Blake.
“The horses were in an environment with trashed up mobile homes, glass on the ground. It looked like a junk pit. I mean, it was a wonder they were still alive,” said Susie Witter.
If you’re interested in helping out the horses, you’re asked to contact the Horse Advocates of Colorado.
Website: http://horse-advocates.com/
