The defendants, William Holdner and Jane Baum, possessed 170 cattle that were seized during a joint operation by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and OHS in the summer of 2012. Veterinarians found many of the cattle to be severely underweight and others to be suffering from serious illnesses.
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Convicted on Multiple Counts of Neglect
After a three-week long trial, a jury convicted Holdner on October 3 of 16 counts of first degree animal neglect and 79 counts of second-degree neglect. Baum was convicted of one count of first-degree neglect and 26 counts of second-degree neglect. Holdner and Baum face up to one year in jail and a $6,250 fine for each first-degree count, and six months of jail and a $2,500 fine for each count of neglect in the second degree. Sentencing is set for December 5.
Teamwork on Complex Case Leads to Conviction
“Columbia County and OHS cooperated closely for several years on this case, always determined to protect animals from inhumane treatment,” said Sharon Harmon, OHS executive director. “The jury’s verdict leaves no doubt that owners who fail to provide food and medical care for their animals will face criminal penalties.”
The lengthy trial entailed nine days of testimony before the jury, which heard from 15 witnesses for the prosecution and 10 defense witnesses. The jury returned its verdict after five hours of deliberation.
“This is one of the largest and most complex animal cruelty cases to be prosecuted in Oregon,” said Deputy District Attorney Jake Kamins, who prosecutes animal cruelty cases throughout the state. “It’s the longest trial I have had, and this verdict is very gratifying.”
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