Blue Sky Horse Rescue was contacted by Chief Deputy Will Garibay of the WCSD to rescue 30 abused and neglected horses. The following story was obtained from the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association:

OREGON SHERIFF Magazine News

Fall, 2009 -- This last quarter has been quite hectic. In June, the Wheeler County Sheriff's Office, along with Oregon State Police, and acting under a warrant, seized 31 horses and 2 mules from an individual in the Mitchell area. He will be facing at least a dozen charges of animal neglect. (For you avid readers, this is the same fella that got "electrified in the creek" last quarter. Seems some people live and learn and some people just live). At least 20 of the animals were being held in a small enclosure approximately 40' x 60', and had existed in that enclosure for at least a year! Manure was approximately 12" to 18" deep, with hay and water AT BEST, barely meeting muster. Many of the animal's hooves had grown to the size of dinner plates, due to a lack of solid ground necessary to maintain good hoof condition. The overall condition of the animals was rated by an Oregon State Veterinarian on scene as being between 4 and 6, with 1 being excellent and 6 being poor.

Some of the animals suffered from malnutrition, various tumors, other hoof and leg disorders (thrush), and 2 cases of Pigeon Fever. The horses and mules were transported to an undisclosed area for medical examinations and eventual treatment and recuperation from their ordeal. After the seizure was released to the media, an out-pouring of support and contributions was observed by the Sheriff's Office from people across the country. Two local farriers and several veterinarians have worked on the horses PRO BONO in an attempt to get them on the road to recovery. Once the owner of the animals forfeits them in a court ruling, they will be put up for adoption and/or sale.

On Tuesday, August 11, after hearing the civil forfeiture case against the horse owner, Circuit Court Judge Crowley ruled that the owner must post a bond in the amount of $36,855 by Friday the 14th. If the bond is posted as required, $12,085 will be immediately released to the County to satisfy already incurred costs. Interestingly enough, Judge Crowley added, "probable cause means that the matter asserted is probably true. Clear and convincing evidence means that the matter asserted is highly probable. In this case, the distinction is one without consequence. The County proved its case by clear and convincing evidence."

Another win for the horses!

Pictured above is Aaron Strickland, of the Wheeler County Sheriff's Department, assisting in the delivery of the horses to the rescue.

From left to right: Roy Agard of Blue Sky, Deputy Sheriff Mike Garibay, Aaron Strickland of Wheeler County Sheriff's Department, Chance Osborn, and Chief Deputy Will Osborn.

Down for the count, Dr. Hyde begins his work.

Dr. Hyde working on one end, with Roy working on the other.

Dr. Hyde keeping a watchful eye afterwards.

Roy Agard and Dr. Taylor Hyde, DMV. This is one of the stallions brought to the rescue from Wheeler County; destined to be a gelding soon. Dr. Hyde's father, Dayton Hyde, also runs a horse sanctuary. Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary is located south of Hot Springs, South Dakota. For more information, please visit www.wildmustangs.com

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