14 Abandoned horses in Mollala OR

[atticus]

I found this on CL We are full up at HyTyme but maybe someone else out there can help?





portland.craigslist.org/clc/pet/861687502.html


Reply to: [e-mail] [?]
Date: 2008-09-30, 5:55PM PDT



I was boarding some horse for a gal and she moved to Calif. and left her horses behind. I have started the legal paperwork and I am told I have to keep these horses for another month. I am unable to care for these horses financially and I am hoping to find some possible foster homes or sponsors for these horses. I was suppose to board them for the summer only, in my pasture. This was the plan because I do not have winter shelter in my pastures. Now I am faced with having 14 horses out in the cold untill I am able to find them new homes. These horse came to my farm severely underweight and as the weather changes it will only get worse. If you can help these horses in any way please contact me. My understanding is that the horse owner has done this in the past. Please help these horses to have a better future than they have had up till now.




Location: Molalla

[nic]

I'll drop an email and see if I can drive over and look at their condition and then go from there.
Nicole'

[wildwoman]

nic-sending you a PM-got a name and phone number from her-no other information from an email inquiry

[karlo]

Twenty-two abandoned horses will be available to the public in an auction Nov. 8 at a local Molalla ranch.

Dawn Clausen of Clausen Ranch said she has not heard from the horses’ owner since Aug. 27 and has filed chattel liens against the 14 horses left in her care. Two other Molalla area individuals also boarded horses for Virginia Winter and plan to participate in the auction, bringing the total to 22.

The horses belonged to Winter, who was convicted of animal neglect in 2006 when 42 domestic animals, many malnourished, were confiscated from her Molalla area property by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.

Winter was given an 18-month probation and banned from possessing any animals, including livestock, during that time. The neglect charges prohibit her from owning domestic animals for five years.

She was arrested again last year when CCSO found horses living on her property.

After learning about Winter’s past, Clausen contacted CCSO. However, according to Clackamas County Community Corrections Parole and Probation Supervisor Malcolm McDonald, Winter’s probation expired June 19.

“She’s not supposed to own domestic animals, but she can certainly own livestock,” CCSO livestock deputy Morgan Guthner said.

There is no law against abandoning livestock, so Winter does not face any new charges. If she were to repay her debt to Clausen before Nov. 8, Winter would maintain legal ownership of the horses.

“Unfortunately, Mrs. Clausen didn’t know who Virginia was,” Guthner said. “I tried calling Virginia for (Clausen) to try to help her out, but I can’t get involved in her civil problem …It’s an unfortunate situation.”

Originally, Clausen said she agreed to temporarily board two of Winter’s horses in April, but no contracts were signed until July.

Throughout the summer, Winter brought more horses, agreeing in the signed contract to pay $90 per month for each horse in exchange for fenced pasture space and water, Clausen said. The contract stipulated that Winter would provide food and care for the horses.

Clausen said the horses arrived skinny and in poor health, with matted manes, skin abrasions and patchy hair, but was told it was the fault of the previous boarder.

“(Winter) seemed like she was really nice,” Clausen said. “I think we all gave her the benefit of the doubt.”

Clausen said Winter started out making regular payments and used to bring hay for the horses, although it would often run out. Clausen de-wormed and de-loused the horses and has updated most of their vaccinations.

“It seemed like the more I cared for the horses, the less she held up her end of the bargain,” Clausen said.

Clausen believes Winter has moved to California. Clausen has begun feeding the horses some of her own hay, but said they need more attention than she can give, with nine horses of her own to care for.

“These horses need better care than what I can provide them,” Clausen said. “They need love, they need grooming, they need foot care.”

Clausen said she would welcome help in caring for the horses up until the auction, if anyone wants to donate food or time.

“They’re pretty decent little horses with good personalities. They’re just hungry and they don’t know any different,” Clausen said. “I just don’t think they’re used to being handled.”

Nine of the horses have been fostered out to other caregivers until the auction and five remain at Clausen Ranch on Highway 213.

Most of the horses are Arabs or Pintos and range from ages three to six, although a few are older, Clausen said. People are invited to arrive at the auction as early as 1 p.m., with the bidding closing around 3 p.m.

Bidding will start at $75 or $100 per horse.

“I’d like to recover some of at least what I’ve put into them this month,” Clausen said.

For more information, call Dawn Clausen at 503-829-2152.

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[wildwoman]

WOW-thanks for the update-one scary part (amongst a lot that scares me here) is that although she was barred from owning domestic animals-'livestock' was not included in this? Last time I checked-horses have been domesticated for millennia. Also-"there is no law against abandoning livestock"!!!? OMG
Also does anyone know if there are any provisions in place to prevent kill buyers of these animals?
Thanks
Lisa

[wildwoman]

Did anyone go to this or have information on how it went?
Thanks
Lisa

[paintedlady]

Nov 12, 2008 10:56:55 GMT -5 wildwoman said:

Did anyone go to this or have information on how it went?
Thanks
Lisa

I saw on craigslist about a week ago or so that they had a great turnout and all were saved. I didnt go so its just what I read

[wildwoman]

Thanks!

[gratefulknits]

Oct 31, 2008 11:11:30 GMT -5 karlo said:

There is no law against abandoning livestock, so Winter does not face any new charges.

What the he!!? My jaw is on the floor and I can't seem to pick it back up ... what kind of system allows for a loophole the size of Texas? If this is really true, I'd have to blame our system just as much as I'd blame Ms. Winter.

I guess all we can do is be grateful that all of the horses were saved (and hope that they really were saved, and not bought by the you-know-who's).