CONVICTED: Was justice served?
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Case #8007 Rating: 3.9 out of 5
Hoarding - 15 horses, llamas and goats
Cottage Grove, OR (US)Incident Date: Tuesday, Feb 29, 2000
County: Lane
Disposition: Convicted
Defendant/Suspect: Doreen Ruth Anderson
Doreen Ruth Anderson, 42, a teacher from Eugene who had a lifelong dream of owning a farm was charged with animal neglect after neighbors reported the poor condition of her horses, llamas and goats. The animals were taken from her by a judge.
Anderson pleaded guilty to six counts of misdemeanor animal neglect in a plea deal that guaranteed she would not serve jail time but would be on probation and would undergo psychiatric evaluation and continued treatment.
In a future hearing it will be determined how much Anderson must pay to the volunteers who cared for the 15 animals confiscated from her Cottage Grove area farm in March.
Greenhill Humane Society Director Russ Bankel estimated the costs of veterinary care and food for the animals will range between $15,000 and $20,000.
Anderson had humane officials working with her from July until December 1999 educating her about the care of the animals. The conditions did improve and the case was closed in December with a warning to keep on top of her chores.
Neighbors noticed new problems in March. The humane officers removed 15 animal from her farm and charges were filed.
It was stated, "She has a lot of mental health issues that contributed to what happened to these animals."
Anderson's problems stem from mental disease, not meanness. The defense attorney asked the judge to allow Anderson the hope of regaining the company of the animals she loves.
"She suffers from bipolar disorder. When she is on medications, there are no problems. When she goes off her medications, as she did for this period time, the characteristics of her disease take over. She wasn't ever intending to neglect or abuse these animals. It happened because she was off her medication."
Anderson, who lives alone, said her animals are "like my kids."
Goats were locked in a horse trailer without food or water. Exotic birds were found in cages so cramped and dirty the birds had plucked their own feathers in frustration.
"I love these birds and the other animals very, very much. I would never do anything to hurt them."
The judge ordered Anderson to be evaluated and to follow prescribed treatment for the five-year probation period.
The judge allowed Anderson to seek written approval of her probation officer to possess no more than three animals during the probation period. References- Eugene OR Register-Guard - Aug 26, 2000
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