PHOTO PROVIDED
CRESWELL – Several horses have been removed from a property on Camas Swale Road after initial investigation found multiple horses on the property suffering from severe neglect.
Lane County District Attorney’s Office (LCDO) is partnering with Lane County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) and Animal Services (LCAS) to pursue criminal charges against the horse owner, Gwenyth Davies, in connection to this case.
This investigation began when LCAS received photographs of horses that appeared to be severely neglected on Oct. 16. The photographs were provided by Emerald Valley Equine Rescue after it received multiple complaints from people who used to board their horses with Davies.
Davies, who resides at the property along with her husband, Michael DeLeonardo, has had previous contacts with Animal Services regarding horses in poor condition in 2018, according to LCSO Sergeant Carrie Carver.
As a result of those contacts, she complied willingly and the horses of concern were brought to minimum care standards. An additional report of neglect was made in September; however, information to support further investigation was not provided.
Due to the large number of involved horses, Lane County quickly reached out to the Oregon Humane Society and rescue organizations to begin identifying partners who could help with the evaluation, removal, treatment and housing of so many large animals – which far exceeds local capacity.
”Ms. Davies is known to Animal Services,” said Lane County Senior Animal Welfare Officer Bernard Perkins. ”While we typically focus on voluntary compliance and education, the level of alleged neglect and Ms. Davies’ history of violations goes far beyond what is acceptable in our community.”
The decision to remove each horse will be made based on the condition of the animal in consultation with veterinarians. Many of the horses will be transported to an alternate location for further veterinary examination and treatment. Sound Equine Options, a Gresham-based rescue organization, will ultimately transport horses to its facility near Portland.
Sound Equine Options, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization was founded in 2009 to assist the growing number of neglected, abused and abandoned horses in our community. Its mission is to save the lives of horses through support, education, rehabilitation, training and adoption.
In addition, to Sound Equine Options, Emerald Valley Horse Rescue, Oregon Humane Society, and Lane County Land Management Division are all assisting with the rescue operation and property compliance issues.
The Lane County District Attorney’s Office is working with Oregon Animal Cruelty Deputy District Attorney Jake Kamins, who specializes in the prosecution of animal cruelty cases.
The Chronicle will provide more information as it becomes available.
