Carlton, Ore. – The Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) has seized two malnourished horses from a property in rural Carlton following a livestock neglect complaint. One of the horses was found to be several hundred pounds underweight and in need of immediate medical attention, authorities said.
According to a press release from YCSO, “On July 21st, 2025, Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) deputies were dispatched to a livestock complaint in the 10000 block of NW Shelton Road in rural Carlton. A sergeant and deputy observed two malnourished horses, with one appearing in need of medical attention. The condition of the horses was documented, with one horse appearing to be several hundred pounds underweight.”
Sergeant Eric Stoneberg worked to obtain a search warrant that same day. On July 22nd, deputies returned to the property to execute the warrant. “Both horses were seized and an exam was done at the property by a local veterinarian,” the statement continued. “After the initial exam, the horses were removed from the property by volunteers for rehabilitation while the investigation is ongoing.”
The Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the value of its experienced personnel in such cases, stating, “YCSO is fortunate to have staff who are very familiar with livestock among the patrol division. These individuals have many years of training, law enforcement experience, as well as personal experience with livestock.”
YCSO also expressed appreciation for outside support: “We appreciate the assistance of Carlton Veterinary Hospital and Sound Equine Options.”
Sound Equine Options, the nonprofit equine rescue group now caring for at least one of the horses, also released a statement thanking those involved.
“We want to extend our sincere thanks to the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office and Carlton Veterinary Clinic for their swift and compassionate response in a recent neglect case. Because of their efforts, this horse is now safe and officially under the care of Sound Equine Options. We’re committed to giving them the support and rehabilitation they deserve—and we’ll keep you updated on their progress.”
As of publication, no criminal charges have been announced. “The case remains open pending further investigation and full medical evaluations of both horses,” according to the Sheriff’s Office.
