Deputies seize 5 horses in Bend neglect case

Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies have seized five horses in southeast Bend and cited their owner on animal neglect charges, deputies said Friday.

Deputies responded to an unidentified address in southeast Bend around 4:45 p.m. Thursday, said Lt. Deron McMaster.

The horses “were seized due to the severity of their medical conditions ranging from parasitic infestation to severe malnourishment,” McMaster said in a news release.

Lance H. Lupton, 62, was cited and released on five counts of second-degree animal neglect.

The sheriff’s office had opened a neglect case at the location a year ago and was monitoring the progress of the five horses, McMaster said.

“The horses were seized after a noticeable decline in the health of the horses,” the lieutenant said, adding that follow-up investigations will be continuing.