Hundreds of Sick Animals Removed from Elderly Woman's Property

Authorities say it's the worst case of animal neglect Klamath County has seen in 15 years as they rescue hundreds of malnourished animals from an elderly woman. Two hundred sheep and 55 horses were taken from the woman's property because authorities say she neglected them.

At 80-years-old, Leta Johnson already spent two days in jail last June and faces several counts of animal neglect which could land her many years behind bars.

But the Klamath County District Attorney's Office says they're not after jail time. They say their major victory came Friday when the last of the animals were removed from Johnson's property.

The DA's Office says the animals only got as much food in a week as they should have been fed every day. Once they stripped the property of vegetation some of those with enough strength jumped the fence for greener pastures, prompting complaints from neighbors.

The DA's Office says the animals were literally starving to death.

"We're talking 200 sheep that were dying daily from starvation, says Deputy District Attorney Cole Chase. "And all of the horses were in various stages of needing medical care."

Some cattle remain on the property. Once removed, the surviving sheep were sold at auction. The horses are being rehabilitated on foster ranches. Eventually the humane society will be looking to find good homes for them.

Chase says the DA's Office has received criticism for what some say is bullying an elderly woman. But chase says they take animal neglect seriously. He says they now want Johnson to pay the thousands of dollars the Humane Society has spent trying to save the animals.

Chase says Johnson had the skill, experience and money to care for the animals but they couldn't convince her to do it before the action was taken. Johnson could not be reached for comment.