When local law enforcement and other authorities showed up at a property in Sweet Home, Ore., last Thursday to seize and rescue several animals from a cruelty situation, they thought they knew what they were in for.
But the horror they found in this idyllically named town was beyond anyone’s imagination.
Severe Neglect
|
 |
|
This horse was one of 20 rescued during a raid on a Sweet Home property.© KPTV |
“It was an absolutely ghastly sight,” said Scott Beckstead, an equine specialist and Oregon state director for The Humane Society of the United States. “We found those animals the owner hadn’t removed from the property—20 horses and seven dogs—mired in mud, some with badly neglected feet, malnourished and infested with worms and ticks.
“Dogs were tied to trailers around the property, and one tethered to a gate post was gnawing on the carcass of a fawn that was hanging from a gate itself,” Beckstead said. “There were other deer remains around the property, and a dead dog lying in heap of garbage.
“And in a bizarre and tragic twist, six children were found neglected and living in squalor. I certainly didn't expect authorities to find children here. It was beyond belief.”
Inspecting Condition of Animals
Without a lot of experience in equine issues or animal seizures, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office asked Beckstead and his wife, Jackie, to assist in the cruelty case. Jackie Beckstead is an animal cruelty caseworker for The HSUS and, as a former animal control officer, she provided instruction on handling the animals and preserving evidence. Both Becksteads are certified to perform the Henneke Body Condition Scoring System to rate the degree of horse neglect.
Other authorities on the scene included the Bureau of Land Management and the Oregon State Police. The BLM has jurisdiction over the wild horse population in the U.S. and was called in because four mustangs—allegedly procured fraudulently—were among the horses on the property. The State Police participated because they believed the property owner had committed multiple wildlife poaching violations.
This was the second time in three years that authorities had been to the property for animal abuse when they removed several neglected horses. The owner was later able to retrieve some of the animals after they were seized.
Animal Abuse Unacceptable in Linn County
Linn County Sheriff Tim Mueller personally served the search warrant this time to send a clear message that animal abuse will not be tolerated.
“When you have livestock, you take care of your livestock or get rid of it. I tell you what, in Linn County, Oregon, if you don't, we're going to hold you accountable," he told a news reporter on the scene. The property owner was arrested on charges of neglect.
With a good network of qualified foster care providers, the sheriff’s office had arranged for the transportation and temporary care of any animals rescued. Mueller himself took responsibility for fostering one of the dogs. State officials placed the children in protective custody.
Keeping Oregon Horses Healthy
In a timely turn of events, Scott Beckstead’s previously scheduled horse rescue forum took place the next day in Eugene. Informally known as the Oregon Horse Welfare Council, about 40 people from a variety of backgrounds met to discuss issues facing horses and their owners.
One major problem many people are facing today is the expense of keeping horses fed and housed during the economic downturn. Beckstead said the participants all reported a growing number of reports from throughout Oregon of horses being neglected and abandoned. The forum, he said, was focused and constructive and dedicated to creating a comprehensive strategy to deal with the problem.
“This was an awesome group of people—from breed groups to rescue groups to law enforcement, including county sheriff’s offices,” Beckstead said. “Everyone was very supportive and wanted to help make the situation better for people and horses facing tough times.
“Despite any differences among the groups involved, our common priority is to keep horses in Oregon healthy and make sure horse owners know where to go for help.”
Among the outcomes of the meeting, the group is working to create a central databank for temporary foster care, a hay and feed bank, and a veterinary assistance program. The group will meet again after the New Year in Clackamas County.
