By Jeff Skrzypek
CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Members of the horse community in Western Oregon say they feel shocked and disgusted after learning about the horse neglect case in Mill City.
Investigators say they found more than 100 horses on a farm in awful shape. Those who know the suspect are reacting.
After hearing about the alleged horse neglect case in Mill City, many folks involved with the horse community were shocked. They're still trying to understand how someone could have that many animals in such poor shape.
"There were instances out there were I was kind of like oh, this is kind of shady, but the horses are getting fed, everything is going ok," said Sarah Deneen.
But in a years time and on a different farm, investigators say Tania Herring's more than 100 horses are far from okay. Some suffered skin diseases. Others were starving for food, and one couldn't even get up.
"I couldn't even believe it, I couldn't believe that someone that I had met, and shaken hands with, and had business dealings with, had gotten, had fallen so far," said Deneen.
Many involved in the horse community in the area say they've either traded, bought or sold a horse to the suspect. But they say each time they did, the experience didn't feel quite right.
"They seem like a burden to her, because she just had so many you know I saw her caring for them, but how she could accumulate so many," said Anne Brown.
And it's the amount of horses folks like Brown are still trying to wrap their heads around. She says just taking care of her one horse is already challenging and expensive enough. "How can you feed a 117 horses. How can you knowingly take care of that many horses and continue to take them, was my thought. And in this horse market nobody is buying," she said.
They say her intentions may have been good, but the result is inexcusable.
"I mean I don't think anyone who is like that should ever be allowed to get near a horse ever again, or any animal for that matter," said Deneen.
Investigators say suspect Tania Herring has a court date sometime in February. They say if convicted, she could be fined and spend months in jail.
Comments
NO jail time ??
Linn County sheriff stated that the owner would probably not see any jail time and that they were seeking that she not own horses again (Oregon law states 5 years for second degree neglect) What's to prevent her from putting her horses in someone else's name? Looks like the owner will only get a slap on the wrist and a small fine. The owner did give up ownership on 29 of the 31 horses taken, at least she won't have to feed or care for them, what about the other 80 or so horses. I don't believe that the Linn County District Attorney's office will prevent this from ever happening again because there will be no justice here !!
Abuse of horses
Are these poor animals going to be placed in new homes? She should never be able to own these horses or any other animals again. Please advise if they will put up for adoption. Shame on this woman. We need a register for "known animal abusers" and make it public. This may help stop this kind of neglect.
The Problem
The Problem is not only this owner in fact she may have been rescuing these horses from people who love to send horses to slaughter.
I like to know why did officals lay on there butts doing nothing waiting for the owner to reach 100 horses why not interviene when she reached 20 horses.
Its also the states fought they should have to have owners register to have that many horses. Even the Over breeder that breeds and breeds for profits then sends to slaughter because they are pure irresponsible owners.
Oregon can fix many of its problems if they monitor problems instead of finding them like buried treasures.
Do your Job Officals.
neglect
I have met with her a couple of times. The first time, she made a trade with one of my friends. She traded her a sickly looking colt for her mare. He wasn't super thin, but wormy. I also went to look at a children's pony at her place. I figured he was thin because he was old, but all of the other horses looked really bad. She was feeding them such poor quality hay that it looked like straw, and all of the horses had the runs which ran down their back legs. It was really sad. I am glad to see that the horses are being taken from her.
truth
Is it possible that the media reported wrong? consiter if you visted a rescue place would you find animals that looked like they needed rescued? would they be thin? maybe sick? and how long do you suppose it takes to put weight on a horse? It's funny how people will talk when they only have a little information. reminds me of a game I played as a Child...telephone?....you know ...you line everyone up in a line and say something to the first person and by the time it get's to the last it is a whole diffrent thing...I love the horse world everyone is an expert without the experience to go with it.
Truth
please take the time to find out the real truth in this story. please do your research. It's very sad when you speak out with out all the facts. Ask your self what are the possibilities?