Probation, fine given in animal abuse case

FARMINGTON, Mo. -- A former animal breeder was sentenced to five years of supervised probation Friday in what a prosecutor called a "horrible" case of animal abuse.

Natalie Peplin-Sobelman, 43, of Blackwell, was also ordered to pay $26,000 in restitution to the Humane Society of Missouri, which cared for and treated animals rescued from her St. Francois County breeding operation in February 2003. She was convicted of felony animal abuse.

Police found 26 living and eight dead cats inside a trailer in a rural area near the Jefferson County line. Later, more than 150 dogs owned by the couple were also found.

Terms of the probation prohibit Peplin-Sobelman from keeping more than three pets at a time, and from working as a breeder.

"I was pleased because she's going to be supervised now for the next five years," prosecutor Wendy Horn said. "Hopefully this is something that's not going to happen again. It was horrible."

Last year, Peplin-Sobelman's husband, James Sobelman, 50, of suburban St. Louis, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor animal cruelty.

Police went to the trailer following a tip. Investigators said the animals were left unattended for weeks to die. However, many survived by drinking melted snow that leaked into the trailer and by eating one another.

Three of the rescued cats later died from diseases associated with malnutrition.

Weeks later, police found an unlicensed dog-breeding facility on a nearby property owned by the Sobelmans. Authorities found 155 dogs and seized 30 animals suffering from neglect.

Peplin-Sobelman was originally charged with seven counts of felony animal abuse and 55 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. The Sobelmans have filed for divorce, according to the St. Francois County court clerk's office.