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By Evelyn Puffer
Contributing writer
A case of animal neglect and mistreatment against a Stanchfield woman that has been winding its way through the justice system since 2007, was settled March 3 with a directed verdict of dismissal of all charges by Judge James Dehn.
Tracy Jean Bratlie, 39, was charged by formal complaint in February 2008 based on an investigation into the condition of numerous horses and one donkey kept on property she was believed to own in rural Stanchfield.
Nine of the horses were seized by the Minnesota Humane Society and taken to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Clinic where veterinarians judged them to be in poor condition by varying degrees.
The donkey was taken to the Hooves Animal Rescue whose opinion it was that lack of appropriate hoof care was hindering its ability to walk.
Bratlie was subsequently charged with one felony count and six gross misdemeanor counts of Overwork/ mistreat animals-cruelty as well as a misdemeanor count of Equines-proper hoof care.
The case has moved slowly through the 10th District Court system with the defense requesting multiple continuances, changes from a private attorney to one from the Public Defenders’ office, and a motion for a change of venue which was denied.
With a jury trial scheduled to start March 2, Bratlie’s public defender, Rebecca Waxse, made a surprise request that the case be heard in a court- only trial before Judge Dehn. That request was approved and the jury dismissed.
Testimony on both sides took up most of the day and at its conclusion Waxse moved for a directed verdict of dismissal based on the failure of the state to prove that Bratlie was in ownership, possession or control of the horses.
Her motion was granted by Judge Dehn March 3 and the case was concluded.
While Bratlie had been prosecuted on misdemeanor animal neglect/mistreatment charges in Kanabec County in 2008, the horses involved in the Isanti County case were not the same animals.
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