Neglected Horses Seized in South Salem

The horses were thoroughbreds and quarter horses, but also included a Missouri Fox Trotter.

PHOTO: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office

(Salem, Oregon) - Responding to an anonymous tip, Marion County deputies executed a search warrant, seized control of 16 neglected horses and arrested their owner on Tuesday afternoon.

The horses were found in a pasture and a barn on property in the 6800 block of Skyline Road South, in Salem.

Sr. Deputies Brenda Lumley and Martin Bennett arrested Gabriel Elle Buckner, 52, on 16 counts of Animal Neglect II. She is being held in the Marion County Jail on $20,000 bail. Her next scheduled appearance in 05-17-11 at 8:30 am at the Marion County Jail Court Annex.

As part of the investigation, Deputy Lumley assessed the condition of the horses. They ranged from 1 to 3 on a body condition scale with 1 being the worse condition and 4-5 being the best. The horses suffered from weight loss, skin infections and hoof neglect.

The horses were thoroughbreds and quarter horses, but also included a Missouri Fox Trotter mare that was in foal, and other mares that may be in foal.

Deputy Lumley's investigation revealed that Buckner is on court-probation in Deschutes County for a 2010 conviction of animal neglect involving horses. Buckner was also convicted for animal neglect in 1998 involving dogs & cats.

The horses on Skyline have been impounded into the care of the Sheriff's Office until arrangements are made with a horse rescue agency to take custody of them.

In the meantime, Sheriff's Office Deputies and an inmate work crew went to the address to remove debris and clean the stalls of the barn. They will also feed and water the horses until they are transferred to the rescue facility. No one will be allowed access to the horses or property during this time of confinement.

Owners are reminded that horses and other animals require regular care and feeding. Owners finding themselves unable to meet that obligation should seek the assistance of a local horse rescue agency, the Oregon Hay Bank, or Rescue Blankets in Sandy, Oregon. Please don't delay while your animal suffers.

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Source: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office