Neglected Horses Seized in Clatskanie

UPDATE: The two individuals who own the horses seized by OHS (see below) have each been charged with 15 counts of second degree animal neglect. Arraignment is scheduled for June 20 in Columbia County. Because the charges involve more than ten animals, the owners now face felony animal neglect charges.

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The Oregon Humane Society has seized 15 horses from residents in Clatskanie after responding to reports of horses in critical condition and discovering a dead horse on the property. Investigators found multiple underweight horses on the property. One appeared to have sores on its body, possibly from constant exposure to moisture.

Horses seized from a rural property in Clatskanie.

OHS, working with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, served a search warrant on the property on Colvin Road in Clatskanie on the morning of March 14. A total of 15 horses were removed from the rural property. OHS is working with Sound Equine Options, a Gresham-based nonprofit, to provide ongoing care for the horses as needed.

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.

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.