OHS Humane Law Enforcement traveled to Carlton to assist with evidence collection and provide other expertise as needed.
At the request of Yamhill County Sheriff, the Oregon Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement team assisted with a case involving dozens of horses suspected of suffering from severe neglect. The horses are under the care of Sound Equine Options, a local nonprofit and OHS’s equine rescue partner. Seven cats were also taken to OHS.
The OHS team traveled to the area in Carlton on Wednesday, Feb. 24 to assist with the processing of evidence and provide other expertise as needed. The cats in OHS’s care will also receive a forensic exam to determine the extent of their neglect.
“This case demonstrates cooperation among multiple agencies and the statewide scope of OHS’s work,” says Sharon Harmon, OHS President and CEO.
Full press release from Yamhill County is below.
Oregon Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement team works all over Oregon on nearly 700 cases per year, including assisting local law enforcement agencies. They rely entirely on donations for this lifesaving work. To report a crime involving animals or concerns about an animal’s care, call 503-285-7722, ext. 214 or submit information online.
Donate
_______________________
Horses Seized for Neglect During Execution of Search Warrant in Yamhill County
In early February, Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office deputies learned that Silver Oaks Saddlebreds, a horse farm located at 8350 NE Hendricks Road in rural Carlton, was without water as it had been shut off for non-payment. The property contained almost 50 horses.
Silver Oaks Saddlebred is owned by Susan Swango, 82 years of age. The Sheriffs’ Office is familiar with Swango and her property based on previous animal neglect complaints. During an investigation approximately 5 months prior, a veterinarian assessed the horses on the property. At that time evidence did not rise to the level of probable cause for an arrest or search warrant.
With potable water now unavailable to the farm, deputies became concerned that Swango may be unable to provide her horses minimum care. Oregon law states that animals must be provided with care sufficient to preserve their health and well-being, including open or adequate access to potable water in sufficient quantity to satisfy the animal’s needs.
Deputies assisted Yamhill County Code Enforcement in the service of an administrative warrant at Silver Oaks on February 19. During the service, deputies discovered inadequate food and water sources for the horses. Water was being obtained from a nearby creek but was insufficient. Deputies on scene were very concerned about the physical condition of the horses.
The following day, the Sheriff’s Office arranged for a donation of 2 tons of alfalfa hay for Swango which she accepted. She refused an offer of 1,000 gallons of water.
On February 23rd and 24th, the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office Crime Response Team (CRT) and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), with the assistance of special agents with the Oregon Humane Society, served a search warrant at Silver Oaks.
With the help of Sound Equine Options, a non-profit horse rescue based out of Gresham, and based on a veterinarian’s evaluation, investigators seized all 48 horses from the property. Seven cats were also seized and taken to the Oregon Humane Society.
In an unfortunate incident, one horse died of injuries sustained from falling over while volunteers attempted to guide it into a rescue trailer.
Swango was issued a citation to appear for Animal Neglect in the Second Degree, which is a felony based on the number of affected animals. Her court date is scheduled for March 24th. The case is being prosecuted by the Yamhill County District Attorney’s Office by Oregon Animal Cruelty Deputy District Attorney Jake Kamins.
Sheriff Svenson expressed his sincere appreciation to all who participated with his office in this operation. “While we wear many hats in law enforcement, occasionally we run into situations where true expertise and skills in a particular area are needed. Sound Equine and the Oregon Humane Society’s vast knowledge were instrumental in getting these animals the assistance they need”.
Maintaining this number of horses through the prosecution process is extremely expensive. Sound Equine, a non-profit, is accepting monetary donations. Donations can be made through their website at this address: http://soundequineoptions.org/ways-to-help/. These specific horses can be assisted by typing “YCSO” in the “Send an Acknowledgement to” box on the Donation Information page.
###
Capt. Chris Ray, Operations Captain/Public Information Officer
