Two Culver horses euthanized: owner charged with animal neglect
A Culver man faces two counts of animal neglect after sheriff’s deputies found two horses in such bad shape, they had to be euthanized.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of animal neglect in the 4300 block of Highland Lane, near Culver, last Tuesday.
The horses’ owner, Duane Benson, 80, allowed the deputy and a veterinarian to examine both horses, and they found the animals were in poor health.
Undersheriff Marc Heckathorn told NewsChannel 21 on Monday that both horses had been in the owner’s care for over 30 years.
“Both horses displayed signs of having a neglected nutritional diet, neglected hooves, and neglected dental work,” Heckathorn wrote in an email.
Heckathorn said the horses were euthanized by the veterinarian.
Benson was arrested by citation on two counts of second-degree animal neglect.
Jefferson County District Attorney Steven Leriche told NewsChannel 21 his office has received the sheriff’s office report and is reviewing the case.
Benson is expected to make his first court appearance in coming days.
Terrebonne horse neglect case update
Meanwhile, in another recent animal neglect case, a grand jury has returned 83 counts of animal neglect in the second degree for two Terrebonne women after Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies removed more than 80 neglected horses in March.
Some horses had to be euthanized because of poor health, but the rest are still being housed at the sheriff’s office large-animal rescue ranch southeast of Bend.
The sheriff’s office told NewsChannel 21 Monday the case is still under investigation and the 75 horses are still considered evidence.
Christina Hart, 41, and Linda Stream, 67, have been indicated on 83 counts of second-degree animal neglect.
Sheriff’s Lt. Joe DeLuca said the horses still aren’t ready to be adopted out.
“It’s a process,” DeLuca said. Right now, the case is in front of the DA and we have to continue to move forward and once the horses are able to be adopted out we’ll start that process right away and we’ll find them good homes.”
Stream and Hart have been on conditional release. They are scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday at 9 a.m. NewsChannel 21 will have an update later in the day.
