More than 60 animals seized from woman in animal neglect case
SALEM, Ore. — Marion County authorities and the Willamette Humane Society have removed more than 60 animals from a rural Salem woman's home, including horses and goats.
Humane Society officials said it was one of the largest cases of animal cruelty and neglect in the Salem area in recent history.
Marion County Sheriff's officials said the 63 animals seized Saturday from a home in the 6800 block of Skyline Road South included more than 40 horses, four goats and two parrots. Authorities say 26-year-old Kristina N. Early was arrested Saturday on charges of animal neglect, interfering with a peace officer and tampering with evidence. She operates the Early Rise Ranch, which boarded, trained and breeded horses and boarded and trained dogs.
Early had surrendered some animals when sheriff's Deputy Cliff Self responded to her home Friday to a report of possible animal neglect. But when officials returned the next day, authorities say she had moved at least 17 horses in an attempt to hide them.
The Humane Society said most of the animals were found in poor shape and without access to food or clean drinking water. Many of the horses were found severely emaciated and some had significant injuries, including one that had a fractured leg, the Humane Society said.
The Humane Society has placed most of the animals in volunteer foster homes throughout the mid-valley but could still use donations of quality hay and grain for feed. Anyone interested in making a donation for the care of the animals can call the group's humane investigator at (503) 585-5900, ext. 334, or e-mail aci@willamettehumane.org. You can also give money on the group's Web site.
- The Associated Press contributed to this report
