Case Details

Horse neglect - 9 seized, 1 found dead
Graham, WA (US)

Date: Nov 30, 2005
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Anita Miller

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Case ID: 6374
Classification: Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: horse
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Animal control officers swooped down on a farm to rescue starving and sick horses on Nov 30. The owners reportedly were warned this might happen and did nothing to help the animals.

Rescue volunteers with the group "Hope for Horses" were saddened by what they saw as they arrived at the small farm southeast of Graham.

Pierce County Animal Control says it received complaints from neighbors who feared for the welfare of the four horses and the five mini horses. There were six of the minis but rescuers didn't get here in time. One of the little guys died over the weekend.

The animal specialists say the horses are severely malnourished and hadn't been given any veterinary care.

"They're probably 250-300 pounds underweight," said Jenny Edwards of Hope for Horses. "Sometimes those horses don't make it because at that point, they've already started consuming the muscle mass and it may be very difficult to bring them back."

The sheriff's office says it had been out here several months ago to warn the horse owners that this could happen if nothing was done to help the animals. Deputies say nothing was done, so they moved in.

"They're not in good shape, but they will be and they'll get good homes," said Debby Nilsen of Hope for Horses. "No animal should be treated like this."

Deputies say the horse stalls and trailers on the property were stuffed with garbage. They found hay in the storage lofts, enough to feed all of the horses, but it had grown moldy.

The owners stayed in their home and didn't come out to give their explanation of the conditions of the horses. The Pierce County prosecutor now has to decide if animal cruelty charges will be filed.

This is just part of the effort to bring these animals back to health. Now the journey begins to save their lives.

The horses are on their way to a special care facility in Poulsbo. But then they'll need to find foster homes while the case goes to court.

Case Updates

Anita E. Miller, 48, will be arraigned December 20, 2005 on seven felony counts of first-degree animal cruelty and two misdemeanor counts of second-degree animal cruelty.

If convicted, Miller would face up to a year in jail.
Source: The News Tribune - December 16, 2005
Update posted on Dec 17, 2005 - 3:06PM 

References

KOMO News - Nov 30, 2005

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