Oregon Humane Society's End Petlessness Campaign

Working with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Oregon Humane Society was able to remove 15 horses that were underweight and needed medical care. 

The condition of the horses came to the attention of OHS through the report of a visitor to the property, who said that she saw two horses down and possibly in critical condition. On a visit to the site the following day, an OHS Humane Special Agent saw a dead horse on the property. A Columbia County Animal Control Officer and OHS visited the site a second time, at which time it became clear that the horses had not received proper care.

The owners of the horses had previously received criminal citations for first and second degree animal neglect for failure to provide minimum care for horses on their property. The owners pleaded guilty to first degree animal neglect in 2014.

Investigators are currently evaluating the horses seized earlier this week and have not issued citations against the owners at this time. OHS is withholding the names of the owners until and if a citation is issued. The horses are being cared for at an undisclosed location and are not available for adoption or viewing by the public at this time.

First degree animal neglect is punishable by fines of up to $6,250 and 30 days in jail. The offense is elevated to a felony charge if 10 or more animals are involved with a fine of up to $125,000 and a maximum prison term of five years.

OHS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, receives no tax dollars, and relies on donations to fund all our programs including humane investigations. To help these cats and their friends in need, please consider making a gift today.

Links:

• More on the horse rescue