Rescue Hoarding & an Interview with Celeste Killeen, co-author of "Inside Animal Hoarding"

By Jen Blood

RESCUE HOARDING: A HORROR CLOSE TO HOME

In February of 2009, police stormed a former elementary school in Columbia, Kentucky, as a result of complaints from neighbors. They found 362 live animals - dogs, cats, horses, chickens, goats, pigs, and a donkey - and several dead. The man who lived there ran an organization called Clean Slate Animal Rescue, and he insisted that the animals were well cared for and he was doing what he could to save them from certain death at the hands of what are known as high-kill (high rates of euthanasia) shelters in the area.

I was co-founder of Clean Slate Animal Rescue, working with this man - Dave - on his farm in Estacada, Oregon. The first time I visited his house, there were stacks of filthy crates out front and piles of soiled dog and cat blankets covering every available surface out back. A mound of fresh dog feces was on the floor in the entryway; the two pieces of furniture he had - matching lounge chairs - were torn to pieces. Dave and I talked. His rescue partner had bailed on him; he was in over his head. He was intelligent, well-spoken, attractive. Funny and passionate, warm and engaging..." More

Celeste Killeen, co-author of Inside Animal Hoarding: The Case of Barbara Erickson and Her 552 Dogs.

"...Celeste Killeen, co-author of Inside Animal Hoarding: The Case of Barbara Erickson and Her 552 Dogs. In the book, Killeen provides an unprecedented look inside the mind of an animal hoarder, by establishing a dialogue with Erickson through a series of interviews over several months. Killeen took time out of her schedule to speak with me about her insights regarding Barbara Erickson, her own views on animal hoarding, and how writing the book has affected her own perspective on pets and people. Following is the complete transcript of my interview...." More

Woman found guilty of animal abuse, animal neglect

By Kristina Nelson

COQUILLE, Ore. - A North Bend woman is found guilty Friday morning, of animal abuse and neglect, after a two day trial brought forward graphic testimony into the handling and condition of ten horses on her property.

Bobbye Cikanek, was back in a Coos County courtroom Thursday for day two of her jury trial.

The focus of the prosecution continued to be the health and condition of all ten horses, including a newborn foal, born on May 5th and its mother, both taken from the property by law enforcement officials, on May 7th.

Heidi Erickson, has a horse boarding facility down the road from Cikanek and has been taking care of the foal and mare.

She describes the condition she first saw them in.

"There was a mare and a newborn foal, what appeared to be just a newborn laying in the mud. At that point I actually wasn't sure if it was alive or dead. The mare was standing back off in the corner, away from the foal, I would say she was distressed."

Cikanek took the stand in the afternoon and was asked by her attorney, Alan Goldman, whether she noticed any health conditions or problems with her horses while on her North Bend property, to which she replied no.

In their closing arguments, both sides took one last chance to discuss the case.

"Was she reckless? Yes. Ms. Cikanek herself told you that she has 46 years of experience handling horses. Would a reasonable person, who has care and the knowledge to deal with horses, leave a foal in the mud for two days in March in Oregon? No," said Prosecuting Attorney Shani Krumholz..." More