SILVERTON, Ore. – A Silverton couple was arrested Wednesday for allegedly neglecting several dogs and horses, including one pregnant mare.
Sharon Burnett, 63, and her husband, Kenneth "Butch" Burnett, 66, face multiple counts of Animal Neglect II. They were scheduled to appear in court on March 25th and April 4th, respectively.
Three Australian Shepherds, several Dachshunds and some puppies were seized from the property, in the 6900 block of Quarry Road NE, in late February. Five horses suffering from parasite infestations, rain rot, ringworms, and weight loss due to malnutrition and anemia were also taken from the property.
The pregnant mare was severely malnourished, putting both her and the unborn foal in serious risk, according to Dr. Barbara Kahl, the veterinarian treating the animals.
“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,” explained Don Thomson with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
The United SPCA and the Lighthouse Farm Animal Sanctuary took over care for the seized horses. The dogs were being cared for at the Oregon Humane Society.
The horses were in a pasture without adequate food or blankets. The Burnetts told investigators they had arranged for a neighbor to care for them.
The dogs were found confined in a horse stall with little protection from the elements and no bedding or kennel to sleep in.
