SALEM, OR (KPTV) -
Police seized an extremely malnourished foal and mare from a Salem woman, who now faces animal abuse charges.
Deputies found a 12-year-old mixed breed mare and a two-week-old foul in a field off Triumph Road in southeast Salem on Monday.
The mare had a big, infected gash on her face. The wound stretched from her nose to her eyes and prevented her from eating. She also had trouble breathing and couldn't produce milk for her baby. In turn, the foal was also malnourished.
The owner, Janet Spears, told deputies that she bought the mare several months ago when the wound was small. Police said that Spears admitted that she hadn't taken her to the vet and thought it would heal under her supervision.
The United SPCA in Yamhill took in the mare and foal. Dr. Barbara Khal examined the mare and found other injuries including internal masses. She also noticed a severely split front hoof. The gash on the face was too infected to treat. The horse was euthanized Monday night while under anesthesia.
Meanwhile, the United SPCA is arranging for a nurse mare to feed the foal. Until then, volunteers are feeding it every two hours. Doctors say the prognosis for the foal is good.
On Tuesday morning, Janet Spears was arrested and charged with one count of Animal Neglect 1 for the mare and a second count of Animal Neglect 2 for the foal. She was booked into Marion County Jail where she posted $7500 bail.
She's expected in court on July 24.
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