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Neglect case among worst, but it's not alone Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Res-Q Ranch owner Michele Register holds pictures of abused horses while miniature horses Imp and Cupid watch. The two miniatures and almost a dozen other equines were seized from their Central Point owner in April by county animal control officials, following two years of neglect and repeated warnings to the owner. Res-Q Ranch is a volunteer care center for horses in the Sams Valley area. By JILL BRISKEY SAMS VALLEY - It's been a long time coming, but Lucky Lady has finally been dealt a winning hand. With her hip bones and spine protruding from a tattered red hide, the aging horse remains skittish and untrusting of her new home in Sams Valley. In April, following two years of neglect and repeated warnings, Jackson County Animal Control officials seized Lucky Lady and 12 other equines from a Central Point farm and relocated the animals to Res-Q Ranch, a volunteer care center for horses. The move has given Lady a chance, ranch owner Michele Register said, but it's no guarantee that the 30-year-old horse who experienced a little luck in April will survive. "She's got a long way to go. She's not out of the woods, not by a long shot," Register said. "She has a good heart, though, and that makes a difference." While not common, abuse and neglect involving horses or other livestock does happen in Jackson County. Animal control officials note, however, that neglect of cats and dogs is more common. "Our call volume does go up in the summer, although it happens year-round," said Animal Control Shelter manager Colleen Macuk. "Some people don't have any idea what it means to take care of animals. Some close their eyes to the severity of the situation, and some people blatantly don't care." In 2000, Macuk said, 262 cases of animal cruelty and neglect were investigated countywide. Of that figure, an estimated 50 percent of the cases were either unfounded or easily corrected. Thirty-two citations were issued, and nine of those incidents were considered "severe," Macuk said. The case involving the recovering Central Point horses is one of the worst Macuk or Register have ever dealt with, and the first livestock neglect case in 2001. Lady - along with eight miniature ponies, two geldings and one miniature donkey - suffered from parasites, malnutrition and neglect at the time of their removal. Two pigs mired in feces and filth were euthanized after being examined by a veterinarian. "They're just walking skeletons. If you want to see the anatomy of a horse, just look at these guys," Register said. The miniature animals are expected to make a full recovery, but Lady and the aging geldings have specific health problems. Court records show that Joyce Dezell, who lives at the farm at 5188 N. Pacific Highway, has been charged with 16 counts of second-degree animal neglect. A pre-trial hearing is slated June 25. Attempts to contact Dezell were unsuccessful. Macuk said the second case of neglect involving livestock happened in May. Animal control investigators were called to the home of a Rogue River woman who owned between 300 and 400 rabbits. The woman, whose name has not been released, has been charged with four counts of animal neglect. The animals were not seized, but Macuk said investigators frequently visit the home to ensure that the rabbits are being cared for. Warnings, citations, education and follow-up visits are just a few ways animal control officials deal with cases of livestock neglect. "Usually, we are able to resolve the problem (of livestock neglect) through education or by offering help," Macuk said. "We don't want to seize animals. We do that only when there is an immediate need." Community members are encouraged to report livestock neglect by calling 774-6655. However, Macuk suggests residents gather as much information about the situation as possible - such as the animal's physical condition, availability of food and water and the environment - prior to making the call. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.