Thursday, August 27, 2009

Deputies seize goats, sheep and horse in Douglas County

OAKLAND, Ore. -- Sheriff's deputies seized 28 goats, a sheep and a horse after finding dead animals decomposing on the property and in animal barns, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

On Tuesday, deputies served a search warrant at a Feather Lane residence in Oakland, Ore., accompanied by two members of the Humane Society of the United States and a veterinarian from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The animal owners were cooperative and showed the deputies around the property.

The veterinarian determined that the cattle, pigs, horse, goats and fowl all appeared to have been fed adequately, according to the sheriff's office.

However, several of the goats were found to have severe neglect on their hooves, causing some to have to walk on their knees or just hobble around. Some had respiratory problems. A horse on the property also had severe hoof neglect.

Investigators also found some dead animals decomposing on the property and a couple in the animal barns.

Investigators seized 28 goats, 1 sheep and 1 horse. The goats and the sheep were taken to Saving Grace Animal Shelter for care and medical treatment. The horse was being sheltered at a local horse rescue organization..." More

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