Two people charged with mistreatment of a 9-month-old colt known as Wind Chill are scheduled to go to trial Jan. 20.
Pamela K. Javenkoski, 48, faces two misdemeanor counts -- intentionally failing to provide proper food and drink to confined animals and providing improper animal shelter. Shane E. Javenkoski, 34, faces a single misdemeanor count of intentionally failing to provide proper food and drink to confined animals. All of the charges stem from the treatment of the colt received while it was being boarded at the Javenkoskis' South Range farm.
The foal was found last February at the farm lying outside completely covered with ice and snow in bitterly cold weather. It was unable to move or stand. Neighbors Kathi Davis and Jeff Tucker brought the animal to their South Range farm. Wind Chill's story appeared in local newspapers and on TV stations, and soon a large number of volunteers were helping care for the colt. Veterinarians determined that the animal was severely malnourished due to chronic neglect, according to the criminal complaint. Although the colt had resumed standing with the help of a sling and had begun eating well, Wind Chill died at the Tucker farm Feb. 29, 2008.
During a Monday pretrial hearing in Douglas County Court, the courtroom was short one lawyer. Shane Javenkoski had originally been represented by Public Defender J. Patrick O'Neill, but became ineligible for public defender representation due to his income. The South Range man told Judge Michael Lucci that he is once again eligible and plans to be represented by a public defender.
Lucci said he set aside two days to try the consolidated cases. Assistant District Attorney Rebecca Lovejoy said she planned to call seven witnesses, including two veterinarians who examined the colt. Pamela Javenkoski's attorney, Jamy Johansen, listed five additional witnesses.
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Because of the media attention the cases have received, a substantial jury pool is planned. Space for spectators will be limited until the jury is seated, Lucci told the lawyers.
Buttons, badges and others items referring to Wind Chill or the case will not be allowed in the courtroom.
"I want to make sure jurors do not see anything like that," Lucci said.
If convicted, the Javenkoskis could face up to nine months in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000 for each charge.
