Portland Area Horse Owner Faces Animal Neglect Charge
The owner of a horse farm southwest of Portland faces a felony charge for animal neglect, after investigators found nearly 50 horses they say were not being given adequate food or water. Because of the number of animals on the property, Susan Swango, 82, faces one count of 2nd Degree animal neglect. She is scheduled to appear in court in March.
The Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office said they got a report that Silver Oaks Saddlebred, a farm in rural Carlton, had its water turned off for not paying bills. The Sheriff’s Office said Swango had been the subject of previous animal neglect complaints. Investigators served Swango with a warrant on February 19th, and at that time found that the horses did not have enough food and water, and were in concerning physical condition. They said Swango was getting water for the horses from a nearby creek, but it was not enough.
The Sheriff’s Office said they arranged for a donation of two tons of alfalfa hay to the farm. Swango accepted that donation, but turned down a donation of 1,000 gallons of water, the sheriff’s office said.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the sheriff’s office, along with the Oregon Humane Society, served Swango a search warrant and all 48 horses were taken from the property.
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