Sean C. Morgan
Two ponies, a horse and a llama were seized by Sweet Home police Thursday, April 14, after they were found in a trailer in a church parking lot.
The case has been submitted to the Linn County District Attorney for review.
At approximately 9:33 a.m. Thursday, SHPD responded to a complaint of a horse abandoned in a trailer without food or water in the parking lot of Kingdom Hall, 4717 Main St., said Det. Cyndi Pichardo. Officers responded and located a white horse trailer in the back parking lot.
They began investigating and found that there were actually four animals in the small, dilapidated horse trailer, she said. A note was located on the trailer indicating mechanical trouble.
No one returned to care for the animals, and no one from the church knew why the horse trailer and animals were left there, Pichardo said. Officers spoke with a neighbor who told them that they observed a male subject unhook the trailer from a black pickup the day before and leave the area.
The trailer was unfit and too small for the animals, Pichardo said. There was no food or water available to any of the animals.
Officers consulted with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office animal abuse team and later with the Linn Animal Rescue Organization.
At 11:33, police decided to seize the animals due to the poor and dangerous conditions, Pichardo said. The animals were removed by members of the Linn Animal Rescue Organization.
Owner Marie Eva Pederson contacted the Police Department at about 1 p.m. to inquire about her animals, Pichardo said. As of press time, she was unwilling to meet with officers.
She made two appointments to meet with investigators but failed to show up, Pichardo said.
As of today, we’re in possession of the veterinarian reports, and police will submit the case report, describing four counts of animal abandonment and four counts of animal neglect, to the Linn County District Attorney, Police Chief Bob Burford said.
If appropriate the Linn County District Attorney would draw up a complaint, Burford said.
SHPD has requested a warrant for Pederson’s arrest on four counts of animal abandonment and four counts of animal neglect.
The animals have been examined and found to be neglected, said Police Chief Bob Burford. They have been treated and remain under the care of the Linn Animal Rescue Organization.
Police did not impound the trailer.
Anyone with information should contact Officer Ryan Cummings or Pichardo at 367-5181.