Horses Rescued from Neglect Now Have New Home

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Two horses that Washington County Animal Services rescued after their owners were cited for neglect are now galloping in their new field.

In March, Animal Services Officer Tim Locke assisted the Washington County Sheriff's Office when they issued a search warrant to a couple in Sherwood. Officer Locke and the deputies found two emaciated horses, and one had a huge growth on its leg. The owners were charged with Animal Neglect II on each horse. Animal Services then transported the horses to temporary foster care, where they received treatment and care.

"Six months ago these horses were in horrible condition. The good news is that today they're both healthy and have a new home together," said Deborah Wood, Animal Services manager. "So many people played a significant role in this case and we thank them on behalf of the horses." Linda Gray, the foster care "parent" cared for the two mares—one gray and the other chestnut—at her barn for the last six months. The gray quarter-horse named Angel needed surgery to remove the infected growth. Doctors Palmer and Saunders of Willamette Valley Equine in Aurora performed the critical surgery and provided a month of rehabilitative care at the equine medical center for drastically reduced rates. Animal Services' veterinary technician, Tina Cechini, monitored the horses' follow-up care for the duration of their foster placement.

In August, Animal Services announced that both horses had recuperated and were available for adoption. "What started as a heartbreaking story became a triumph. Both horses were adopted together," said Wood.

The horses' new owners finished an addition to their existing barn and brought the two mares home earlier this month. "It's nice that we were able to adopt them both, since they've been together so long," said the new owner in Forest Grove. "Our daughter is delighted. She plans to ride the chestnut Arab mix, now named Flicka, with her high school's equitation team. The gray mare, now named Grayson, will be a pasture pony."

"We always do a great job of finding homes for dogs and cats. Now, we've helped two neglected horses. They're alive today and have a loving home because a lot of people cared and did the right thing. We couldn't be happier," said Wood.

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