Seized Horses Near Silverton Neglected, Officials Say

Five horses were on the property.

Photos: Marion County Sheriff's Office

(SALEM, Ore.) - Marion County Sheriff's Deputies and volunteers from two horse rescue organizations joined forces to remove five horses from a field in Silverton on Friday morning.

Sr. Deputies Todd Bay and Brenda Lumley first responded to a report on neglect on Thursday morning, February 24th.

The caller reported that the horses had been left by their owners in a field in the 6900 block of Quarry Road NE, outside of Silverton.

They were suffering from exposure and lack of food. Silverton temperatures dropped below 19 degrees on Thursday night and the wind dropped the chill factor even lower. Another caller reported that prior to the deputies being alerted; the horses had broken through their fence and were wandering for two days.

He returned them to the field and secured the fence, but found no one to contact at the property. When deputies arrived on Thursday, they discovered five horses that appeared malnourished. They weren't covered with blankets to protect them from the freezing temperatures.

Deputy Lumley, who is experienced with horses, rated their initial body-condition between 1 & 3 on a 1-9 scale, with 1 being the worst condition and 9 being the best.

She learned that the owners have been out of state for some time, and that they had arranged with a neighbor to feed and care for the hoses. They agreed to send money to pay for the food, but the neighbor reported no money was sent; thus there were no funds to care for the horses. The horses included a 5-year old stallion, a 3-year old filly, a bay mare, an 18-month filly and another 18-month colt

The dogs were found confined in a horse stall with little protection from the elements and no bedding or kennel to sleep in. They included three Australian Shepherds, several Dachshunds and some puppies. Deputies found off-site temporary housing for the dogs with the puppies and fashioned an on-site protected area with bedding and shelter for the remaining dogs.

They will be cared for by volunteers. The horses were removed and transported to two rescue facilities where they will be cared for. Volunteers from the Marion County Sheriff's Office Posse assisted with the removal and transportation of the animals. The investigation is on-going; no criminal charges have been filed at this time. The names of the owners will be withheld until the investigation is complete.

News release from the Marion County Sheriff's Office