Jenny's Market owner Burton Hoey sentenced in animal cruelty case
The owner of Jenny's Market was sentenced on two counts of animal cruelty and given 24 months of probation, during which he will not be able to acquire any animals.
Burton Hoey, who operates the market at 8366 Island Lake Road, just west of Dexter, also was ordered to pay court costs and restitution and will need to complete 50 hours of community service, according to a news release from the Humane Society of Huron Valley.
Burton Hoey tends to a horse at Jenny's Market in this file photo
AnnArbor.com file photo
Hoey was sentenced March 27 by Judge Richard Conlin in Chelsea. As part of his probation period, Hoey will be required to have monthly visits and reports from a licensed large animal veterinarian.
Hoey could not be reached for comment. Hoey's attorney, John Bredell, said the sentencing does not affect the animals his client owns right now.
Bredell wasn't sure of how many animals Hoey owns, but said Hoey has no plans to shut down and will continue to operate as usual.
"He's owned farm animals for 40 years," Bredell said. "He's taken care of as many as 400 animals and this is the first time anyone has complained... He just wanted to bring it to a speedy resolution."
On Jan. 30, Hoey pled no contest to two misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty.
The Humane Society of Huron Valley seized eight farm animals from Jenny’s Market on Sept. 6, 2012, which led to the animal cruelty charges against Hoey. Two horses, four donkeys and two goats were among the animals seized.
Humane Society investigators said the animals were in varying stages of neglect. A horse, which was suffering from the respiratory disease heaves, later died, lead cruelty investigator Matt Schaecher told AnnArbor.com at the time.
The last two animals rescued from the market have been placed with a farm animal rescue in Georgia. Junior, a brown, Percheron draft horse, and Olive, a 2-year-old donkey, have made full medical recoveries.
“We believe animal cruelty is a serious crime inflicted on those completely innocent and unable to protect themselves," Schaecher said in a statement. "We worked very hard to end the cruel conditions under which these defenseless animals were kept and to provide medical treatment and ongoing care to those that were seized. Our reward is seeing a happy ending for those like Junior and Olive."
Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
newsboy
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 4:47 a.m.
Food safty? Look up Washtenaw County Health Dept. inspections, you'll never eat in Dexter again!
RuralMom
Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 7:47 p.m.
Sheeple, you do NOT have to utilize a business such as this one to scrutinize it enough to have an opinion. Drive By the "facility", observe the animals, do you LIKE what you SEE, then don't utilize them! Geeze Louise, its not that hard to give due dilligience within your own community and know what is going on. Look at the SANITATION type reports due to their food sales! Go at your own risk, however don't critique me because I live in the community, have a vested interest in my community and are in the know about my community. There is a long history here, some of you don't seem to get that, and those of you who think Burton Hoey is a victim, your next job should be at the Comedy showcase, except the treatment of animals, workers and even some customers isn't very funny!
RuralMom
Tue, Apr 9, 2013 : 8:21 p.m.
Joslyn at the U, if you are conducting business to the general public, then you have to follow the rules, especially with regards to food prep, storage, etc. Its not his private life, its his BUSINESS life and how he conducts with regards to animals, people and food! You can not tolerate whatever however when you do business with the public, you have to follow the laws!
Joslyn at the U
Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 11:45 p.m.
As a business owner I understand old man hoey's attitude. I work for me because if I dont like you I can tell you or whomever what cliff to go take a flying leap off of. And trust me I have done it and will do it again. I do things my way and could care less what someone else thinks. I will not tolerate people telling me how to handle my business or live my life or how to conduct myself in my own business establishment or on my own property if I am causing no harm to others. And I have thrown peoples money right out the door to watch it blow away in the wind right in front of them after they had recieved service just to prove that they're money isnt good enough for me. I'm of a firm belief that there is good money , and there is bad money. And I choose to live my life by my rules and no others. And I drive by old man Hoey's place every day madam and believe he has the right to live his life with out nosey people intruding in his business or his personal life just as I do, or you do for that matter. There seems to be a golden rule here that many are lacking here which is we should quit looking down our noses at other people when they are just living a "PRIVATE" life. Its not like he holds a public office ...............Geez Louise
Joslyn at the U
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 3:02 p.m.
Sounds like some BS to me. Old man Hoey has been running that farm for years and always treated his animals well. I'm a witness to that. I think they just wanted to shut down his hay ride after that accident they had out there. If there was any neglect I honestly don't think it was intentional on his part. He's a pretty good old guy. A bit cranky on occasion but heck who isnt
Joslyn at the U
Tue, Apr 2, 2013 : 11:29 p.m.
no not kidding lol
justcurious
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 8:55 p.m.
You are kidding, right?
Joslyn at the U
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 3:45 p.m.
As an aftercomment.........I wasn't aware of zingermans wanting the property. Welcome to A2 area politics. Its a dirty game yall
blueWhiskey
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 2:09 p.m.
Lots of opinions here. This guy is old school. I saw him rip a new one to some jerk lighting a smoke by the hay castle. People looked at Hoey like he was nuts....PARENTS looked at him like he was nuts. I don't know, my bet goes that most people painting this guy to be a monster have no clue how country life works.
Joslyn at the U
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 3:44 p.m.
Exactly ..........and that's putting it kindly
Thoughtful
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 2:45 p.m.
He's going to be monitored on a regular basis now. He has to stay in business to pay damages to the former employee who is paralyzed for life due to his faulty equipment.
Joslyn at the U
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 3:42 p.m.
Countless years. I take my kids there and I shop there
Peggysue
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 3 p.m.
Howmanyyearshashebeen offering a familyfunactivityinthefall?
Nicholas Urfe
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 1:24 p.m.
For all those trying to spin this as some big conspiracy by Zingermans to acquire land(hah!), let me remind you that it was not Zingerman's who operated horse wagons that lead to a young woman being critically injured and paralyzed.
whatsupwithMI
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 9:24 p.m.
Zingerman business owners were not present on the grassy knoll, either. In your opinion does that all count as data supporting your position on this topic?
clownfish
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 1:56 p.m.
Or how about this, show us some proof? Nah, that would require actual work or knowledge instead of hyperbole, stereotype and rumor.
Nick Danger
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 10:56 a.m.
This man is a menace to the community.He should have permantely lost his right to own any animals .It's unfortunate that jail time was not included in the sentence
Joslyn at the U
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 3:41 p.m.
False judgements ,trumped up charges , and community know it alls and do gooders are menace to society
whatsupwithMI
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 11:20 p.m.
Here's a little about heaves: it is an incurable respiratory disease, its an allergic reaction that causes permanent and increasing damage to lungs. http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/health/illnesses_injuries/horse-heaves-symptoms-and-treatment/ is one of many informative links about the topic. Local media repeatedly includes the fact that a horse later died from this incurable disease without giving any context. If you are going to get all upright about this horse, you might as well get upright and start placing charges against anyone whose child has asthma, CF, or other incurable, and eventually fatal, condition. (former owner of old horses, here).
whatsupwithMI
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 11:10 p.m.
Mr. Hoey; I hope you send the Z's a registered letter letting them know that each time an issue comes up in the popular press, the asking price for your property goes up 75k due to the increased publicity created for that corner.
Joslyn at the U
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 3:21 p.m.
2@whatupmi that is so on the money !!! And at curious...........jealous relatives don't count lol
justcurious
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 2:54 a.m.
whatsupwithMI, please get a clue about this man. Ask his renter of the little yellow house up the hill who had mysteriously high electric bills only to find out he was paying the bill for the market as well. Ask the renter who never had a working bathroom in that same house. Ask the gas company about his apartments gas bills and those same apartments in Dexter mysteriously burned down later. Ask the fire departments that had to come out and spend hours putting out a huge trash fire that he had set in his field. Ask Gordon Foods how they make his "home made" pies. Ask the businesses who had trouble collecting money from him over the many years for his "enterprises". Ask his relatives! Now you may delete my comment for being truthful.
Bill Wilson
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 10:26 p.m.
Well, Maybe we could all take this opportunity to do something for those working in the field of animal rescue. Here's a link that lists no-kill shelters that have wonderful pets available to adopt, and wonderful people who are giving their time in this heroic mission: http://www.nokillnetwork.org/d/Michigan Every dollar counts. I personally give several times per year, and urge you all too, as well.
johnkip
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 7:35 p.m.
I am questioning if Mr Hoey can read? The writing on the wall is as clear as day Mr Hoey! you and your business are not wanted in Dexter! It is a shame that he has taken what could have been a wonderful thing and ruined it because of selfishness and greed.
Joslyn at the U
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 3:17 p.m.
His business is wanted but some folks can't get it through they're skulls that the hoey family has been in dexter for multiple generations and has way more of a right to be there than all the pretty little new subdivisions that have appeared in dexter in the last 15 years. The Hoey farm being in dexter is almost like the old mansion across the street. Most complaininers have one generation in town. While the Hoey family has been around so long they have Road with they're name on it.
clownfish
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 1:53 p.m.
His business is wanted, but maybe a guy that understands rules and regulations and treats people and animals with respect would make it thrive? Hundreds of businesses abide by the rules in the area, what makes Burton special? His shining, smiling personality?
Kyle Mattson
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 8:01 p.m.
I wouldn't be surprised to see that happen in the near future Homeland.
Homeland Conspiracy
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 7:59 p.m.
Zingermans want that land nuf said!
cinnabar7071
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 7:47 p.m.
Apparently we have a new sheriff in town.
Elaine F. Owsley
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 7:20 p.m.
The laugh of the decade: "This is the first time anyone complained." I'll bet the HVHS could give you a list of dozens who have complained over the years.
RuralMom
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 7:13 p.m.
"this is the first time anyone has complained." Lawyer should be charged for lying in court! The community at large has been complaining for YEARS about the facility and the unethical treatment of the animals, its why when we moved out to the area 10 yrs ago, WE NEVER SOLICITED this place EVER! The only reason his "establishment" survived is because non locals have no clue and utilize this place with alarming frequency.
Joslyn at the U
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 3:10 p.m.
I've never seen old man hoey mistreat anyone that didn't deserve it. I know he doesn't like nosey better than thou types sticking they're noses in his private affairs though lol
justcurious
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 2:47 a.m.
RuralMom, thank you for telling it like it is. We've been his neighbor for over 22 years and immediately learned about the way he has treated the community over the many years before and have first hand knowledge of it since we have been here. It's not a pretty picture and people who aren't in the community just think of him as that poor farmer. Jenny's mom told it like it is with her comments in the Observer. Forty years of his misdeeds are finally coming home to roost for him.
whatsupwithMI
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 9:21 p.m.
Clown, Mom is free to have whatever opinion she wishes. If she choses to crucify someone based on hearsay and no direct observations of her own, that's her right. Oh, and Happy Easter Sunday!
clownfish
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 1:52 p.m.
Here is a fact, people have complained before, multiple times about many things. Attack Rural mom all you wish, it does not change history. I guess you all believe anything a lawyer says?
whatsupwithMI
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 11:23 p.m.
so based on local rumor, and per your statement above, you never went there: you crucified this business owner on no observations of your own?
whatsupwithMI
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 11:12 p.m.
Just wait until they want your property to house llamas so they can collect llama spit there, mom. (anyone else know who that quote about llama spit is from?)
Bill Wilson
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 10:29 p.m.
You sound like my kind of lady!
DBH
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 9:20 p.m.
Mom, I think you mean patronize, not solicit.
RuralMom
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 8:11 p.m.
Actually Cinnabar, I was raised in Saline, so I am a Washtenaw County resident for 40+ yrs since you are so curious about it. The point is that Hoey's lawyer said THIS was the FIRST TIME anyone EVER complained and that is NOT TRUE! The overwhelming majority of people who solicit this establishment are not from the area, haven't a clue about the trouble there, have little to no experience with farm animals & chalk up what they are seeing as "farm life", which is not true. Ask my Brother In Law from Denver who thought bringing us a Pie from there on the way out to our house was a good idea, it never got past my front door, never will. The true measure of a Person is how he treats People/Things/Animals that can do nothing for him (although these animals do a LOT for Hoey's pocket book), Hoey fails horribly and if it were not for people unknowingly supporting this "establishment" it would have been closed or out of business from the overwhelming community shunning he has received from locals.
cinnabar7071
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 7:29 p.m.
"its why when we moved out to the area 10 yrs ago" "because non locals have no clue" Just can't make this stuff up. So exactly how long do you have to live somewhere before you become a "Non local"? Let me guess 10 years?
Tag
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 7:02 p.m.
I'm disappointed that the verdict doesn't include a restriction on the animals he currently owns. He doesn't deserve to keep his animals until is sentence and community service are completed.
cinnabar7071
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 6:49 p.m.
I guess with no jail time zingermans banqet hall and goat farm will not be able to expand. They'll find a way.
justcurious
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 2:41 a.m.
Why do you insist on repeating this silly comment every time? You obviously don't know the history of this man.
jns131
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 2:09 a.m.
I could not agree more.
clownfish
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 1:49 p.m.
I too would like to see this proof. Mr Hoey has been in trouble with authorities for years, it is his doing, not a mythical threat invented in some internet bubble. If Alex wanted that corner he could have bought it from Burton. Burton may have a difficult time with rules, ordinances and decency but he understands cash.
Steve Hendel
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 : 2:15 a.m.
Do you have one shred of actual proof that Zingerman's is in any way behind Mr Hoey's troubles? It seems like to me he brings all these problems on himself. He DID plead guilty to this latest charge, and if you believe his lawyer that the reason was that "He just wanted to bring it to a speedy resolution," well,I've got a nice little bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you.
An Arborigine
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 7:35 p.m.
Mere mortals cannot stand in the way of the Zingdom. Soon they'll be subjects with higher taxes and Tunisian sheep.
cinnabar7071
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 7:23 p.m.
Right zip, but that corner gets exposure that Island lake road will never see. No big deal the Hoey's are little people compare to Paul Saginaw and the Zingermans empire. It'll happen just not as fast as they'd like.
zip the cat
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 7:14 p.m.
They have lots of room to expand west of there present build site Get your facts in order before spewing your venom
a2cents
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 7:09 p.m.
A conservative opinion?... smacks of conspiracy theory, etc
zip the cat
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 6:36 p.m.
And the circus keeps on a rolling
porchbear
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 6:31 p.m.
What a joke of a punishment.
jns131
Sun, Mar 31, 2013 : 2:08 a.m.
The bigger joke is those do unto children? Get less time. Now there is a joke worth telling.
Usual Suspect
Fri, Mar 29, 2013 : 5:58 p.m.
"and will need to complete 50 hours of community service" Hopefully, giving wagon rides won't be part of his community service.