Animal Neglect Investigation Results In 15 Horses Being Seized (Photo) -04/17/24
Released By: Lieutenant Bryan Husband
Date: April 17, 2024
Arrested: Jean Poirier, 66 year old female, Bend, Oregon
Charges: ORS 167.325 Animal Neglect in the Second Degree (15 counts)(Misdemeanor), (1 count)(Felony)
Narrative:
On March 6th, 2024, Deputies and Animal Control Technicians with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office were provided information related to potential animal neglect occurring at the property belonging to Jean Poirier in rural Bend, OR. Poirier was contacted and cooperated with an ensuing investigation over several days, which included veterinarian examinations on 15 horses and 17 dogs.
During the course of the investigation, deputies determined the horses located on the 9.32-acre ranch were in dire need of intervention, namely additional veterinarian care, hoof care and proper feed. Poirier surrendered ownership of the horses on March 14th, 2024, and with the assistance of several Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Posse members, Deputies and Animal Control Technicians removed the 15 horses from Poirier’s property and transported them to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Rescue Ranch. The age of the horses ranges from 13-29 years and consist of 1 stallion, 4 geldings and 10 mares.
The 17 dogs were in better condition than the horses and were allowed to remain with Poirier based upon her continued cooperation. Due to Poirier’s cooperation, she was cited and released for 15 misdemeanor counts of Animal Neglect in the Second Degree. The Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office has since reviewed the case and added one additional felony count of Animal Neglect in the Second Degree. A true bill was signed by the Grand Jury for all mentioned counts on April 15th, 2024.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Rescue Ranch is 23 acres and serves as a rehabilitation center for neglected, abandoned, and abused livestock. The horses seized as a result of this investigation are receiving veterinarian care, farrier care, appropriate feed, and are already showing signs of improvement.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 263 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 178 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.
