Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – May 9, 2024 – According to NEA Report, the woman accused of running a puppy mill on Baker Street in Jonesboro has lost ownership of the seized dogs after failing to post a large cash bond the judge mandated for their continued care.
District Judge Tommy Fowler mandated in April that Karen Siegel to pay a $30,600 cash bond for the care of 50 dogs seized from her residence in January. Siegel had until May 9 to pay the bond. Siegel’s attorney, Zachary Morrison, sought a continuance for the hearing, which Fowler denied.
Judge Fowler granted the motion by the city to divest her ownership of all the animals on May 9. Siegel may appeal the decision but must post $30,600 just to appeal the ruling.
Jonesboro Animal Control is taking care of the dogs at this time.
Siegel was arrested in 2015 on animal cruelty charges related to her operation of a puppy mill in Craighead County.
According to a probable cause affidavit from her January 30, 2024 arrest, “Officers with the Jonesboro Police Department and Jonesboro Animal Control Office executed a search warrant at a residence in Jonesboro due to a possible puppy mill. Animal Control Officers were notified of this residence after a process server attempted to serve the resident with legal papers and noted the condition of the residence and animals inside of the residence.
“Upon execution of the search warrant, officers encountered a single occupant, identified as Karen Sue Siegel. Through the course of the search warrant over 50 dogs were seized from the residence. The inside of the residence was covered in feces and smelled strongly of urine.
“… A deceased dog was located in the back patio of the residence. … Other animals inside of the residence appeared malnourished and dirty. While collecting the animals from the residence, animal control officers located another deceased dog that was in a trash bag inside of a freezer in the residence. Mrs. Siegel is known to be the person to care for these dogs as she sells the puppies that she breeds. Mrs. Siegel was arrested at the scene.”
Siegel is charged with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, class D felonies, and 49 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals.
