Bend, Ore. – Over a dozen horses were seized from a Central Oregon farm as part of an animal neglect investigation, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation started in early March when deputies and animal control technicians with the DCSO received information concerning possible animal neglect at a farm east of Bend.
According to investigators, the property belonged to Jean Poirier, 66, who on Monday was indicted by a grand jury on 15 misdemeanor counts and one felony count of animal neglect.
Poirier was arraigned yesterday on the charges in Deschutes County Circuit Court. Judge Alycia Herriott ordered her not to possess any livestock, including horses.
Poirier also is known by several aliases– including Jean Poirlee, Jean Kelly, and Jean Straight– according to court records.
Poirier initially cooperated with the investigation, including examinations by veterinarians on the 15 horses as well as 17 dogs. Those examinations determined that the horses on the 9-acre ranch “were in dire need of intervention, namely additional veterinarian care, hoof care, and proper feed,” said a DCSO press release.
On March 14th, investigators, along with assistance from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Posse, removed the horses after b Poirier surrendered ownership and transported them to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Rescue Ranch. The horses were reported to range in age from 13-29, consisting of one stallion, four geldings, and ten mares.
“The 17 dogs were in better condition than the horses and were allowed to remain with Poirier based upon her continued cooperation. Due to Poirier’s cooperation, she was cited and released for 15 misdemeanor counts of Animal Neglect in the Second Degree. The Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office has since reviewed the case and added one additional felony count of Animal Neglect in the Second Degree,” read the April 17th press release from DCSO.
The statement went on to report that the horses continue to receive necessary care: “The horses seized as a result of this investigation are receiving veterinarian care, farrier care, appropriate feed, and are already showing signs of improvement.”
DCSO Lt. Bryan Husband said Poirier had been a dog breeder for several years and was a former horse breeder, according to The Bulletin reporter Anna Kaminski.
“The horses were the remnant of her and her husband’s previous horse-breeding operation,” he said.
Poirier was also granted release and ordered back to court on May 31st for a plea hearing.
This is a developing story you can count on Equestrian Media Group to keep you updated on.
