10/13/2009

By LAUREN DAKE  / Associated Press

The majority of calls that came in about 14 malnourished, lice-infested horses in Crook County last April were from neighbors and concerned citizens who could see the horses as they drove past on the highway.

Lately, those types of calls — again from neighbors and those driving by — have increased in both Jefferson and Crook counties, according to the sheriff's offices in both counties. With shrinking budgets, it can be costly to call in a veterinarian and figure out concretely if the horses are being abused. And if the reports are true, what to do about it has created challenges for deputies.

This Wednesday, Jefferson County sheriff's office officials will ask the commissioners for direction.

"Right now, it's a discussion to see what can be done," Jefferson County Undersheriff Jim Adkins said. "Maybe what's going to have to happen is some kind of contract with a vet or equine place that will come out and help us with our investigations at a reasonable cost or even volunteer."

Jessie Evans, a veterinarian with the Bend Equine Medical Center, said the two most common reasons a horse is seized are the most obvious — it is too thin, or it has apparent wounds. But there are other ways to spot whether a horse is being neglected.

"Typically, horses should always have access to food and clean water," she said. Other giveaways that are harder to spot from afar are the shape of a horse's hooves. They should be trimmed and not cracked.

"Hooves should be trimmed every six to eight weeks. ... Dental care is a big thing, if the horse is really thin, (it) may have issues, and be unable to chew and swallow food," she said. In Crook County, because of the overwhelming number of calls the deputies receive, they have come up with a "work plan" that encourages owners to start taking care of their animals.

"With the down times in our economy, and down times in the county budget, we're developing a work plan with the horse owner," said Cmdr. Russ Wright with the Crook County sheriff's office. "If they work with us, we put them on a plan, and revisit the horse and photograph them on first contact. Then, in 30 days, we see if there is any notable change, and photograph them again."

Wright said the deputies receive a call about an animal nearly every day. And if it's not about a dog, it has something to do with a horse. So far, the work plan has been effective.

"If the animal doesn't improve, we will come back and arrest you for animal neglect. It's motivation," Wright said. "It gives them a chance to improve, and sometimes that's all the motivation people need."

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Information from: The Bulletin, http://www.bendbulletin.com