Animal sanctuary sues rival for defamation, conspiring to steal its livestock

MORRISTOWN — A Sussex County-based farm animal sanctuary is suing another sanctuary for conspiring to steal its livestock and donors and damaging its good name.

Tamerlaine Farm Animal Sanctuary co-owners Peter Nussbaum and wife Gabrielle Stubbert on Monday said it's "regrettable" they are "forced to take legal action to prevent those that should be colleagues from disparaging" their sanctuary.

The owners of Tamerlaine, situated on a 40-acre tract on River Road in Montague Township, sued Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue of Wantage; Skylands owner Michael Stura, and other defendants described as former "disgruntled" employees of Tamerlaine. They are Rockwell Schwartz, Chelsea Vogus, Lauren LaPierre, Paulina Wass, Alexa Stonebarger, Sara Schardt and Madelaine Cartwright.

Tamerlaine became aware of "a conspiracy and scheme" to destroy the sanctuary on Jan. 15, when representatives from American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and two duck rescuers made unannounced visits to Tamerlaine after receiving tips animal care was deficient, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit includes statements from current employees who claim some of the defendants, while still employees of Tamerlaine, planned to quit and then return to take birds from the sanctuary. Court documents also show other former employees planned to steal three chickens they would then deliver to the Skylands sanctuary.

Stura made headlines in October for rescuing an escaped bull in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York and bringing it to his sanctuary. When reached by phone on Monday he said he would call back later, but did not.

Stonebarger also did not return a call. Other defendants, some living out of the state, could not immediately be reached.

Superior Court Judge Robert Brennan, sitting in Morristown, will hear arguments March 2 on Tamerlaine's initial request for return of all information relating to sanctuary donors and fundraising efforts and animal veterinary records it alleges were stolen by the defendants. Tamerlaine also wants a court order barring any of the defendants from entering the sanctuary.

Tamerlaine's lawsuit also alleges two former employees, Stonebarger and Vogus, attempted to hack into the sanctuary's email system. The lawsuit alleges evidence has been uncovered that Stura, owner of the Skylands Sanctuary, has been working with the other conspirators.

"Defendant Stura refers to himself as 'the animal defender' but has a history of starting fights with other sanctuaries," according to the lawsuit, which also alleges Stura is motivated by jealousy to undermine Tamerlaine.

Copies of text messages allegedly exchanged between some of the defendants are included in the lawsuit and reveal possible plots to remove some animals from Tamerlaine. The defendants also allegedly have tried to dissuade a wealthy donor from contributing to Tamerlaine, the lawsuit states.

"Any chance you want to help me liberate three hens from the big barn?" one text message reads.

An apparent reference to Tamerlaine's wealthy donor was found in another text: "Hopefully that billionaire didn't give anything to Gab yet."

The lawsuit indicates Tamerlaine has plans to move the sanctuary to a nearby 336-acre tract and open an inn for guests.

The lawsuit is accompanied by certifications by veterinarians attesting to the sanctuary's good care of its animals.

MENDHAM: Deputy Mayor Rick Blood resigns after 'racist' Facebook post

HUNTING: Man accused of killing Pedals the bear said he didn't do it, is suing

HURRICANE RESCUES: Dogs from Puerto Rico arrive in Morristown

The lawsuit charges the owners and animals would be traumatized if the defendants trespass at the sanctuary and remove Tamerlaine's animals.

Tamerlaine opened its doors in 2013 with the rescue of two roosters, Yuri and Jupiter. Since then, it has partnered with other sanctuaries, local activists and organizations to rescue more than 200 farm animals, including ducks, sheep, goats, pigs, turkeys, rabbits and chickens, the lawsuit reads.

The lawsuit claims include trespass, conspiracy, defamation, libel, misappropriation of confidential information and trade secrets, violations of the state's computer offenses statutes, and unfair competition.

Staff Writer Peggy Wright: 973-267-1142; pwright@GannettNJ.com.