Volunteers rescue neglected horses
RUCH, Ore. -- A couple of neglected horses are now on the road to recovery.
Jackson County Sheriff's Deputies and rescuers took the neglected horses to a local animal shelter Tuesday to be nursed back to health.
They found the horses in what they call disturbing conditions.
Jim Armstrong is the owner of two horses that officers say have been neglected.
The owner was out of town when the search warrant was served and the rescue was underway.
It took hours to get the two horses in a trailer, so they could take them to a vet and then to Equamore Rescue in Ashland.
Rescuers said the horses are malnourished, have long hooves and are in pain.
"There's no excuse for this," Colleen Dumont said.
She said one of the horses has large ulcers and has a hard time standing up.
"When we got there she was flat on the ground," Dumont said. "This horse is in a lot of pain."
While Equamore Rescue volunteers care for the animals back at their shelter, Jackson County Sheriff's Office is kicking off the investigation.
"We'll have the vet look at them, we'll file a report, give that to the D.A.'s office for review and charges will be pending," Patrol Lt. Bob Sergi said.
Sergi said at the very least, the owner will face animal neglect charges but he said Armstrong could also face a felony animal abuse charge.
All of this work bringing the animals back to health, is possible because of volunteers and donations from the community.
"This is another case where the Sheriff has called us and asked us to step in and we need to fund-raise to take care of these horses too," Dumont said.
