Yamhill County, Oregon – The Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that it is investigating an animal neglect case. According to YCSO, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of possible neglected miniature horses on a rural property on Willamina Creek Road on January 10, 2025.

The caller and property owner reported finding a deceased horse and 10 others that appeared malnourished on property they rented to the horses’ owner, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The property owner reported that the horses were being fed two bales of hay per week. On January 16, Sheriff’s Office Enforcement Sergeant Eric Stoneberg executed a search warrant at the property and located 11 miniature horses.

Authorities say one was found deceased. The deceased horse was seized and taken to Oregon State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine for examination. YCSO says many of the other horses were showing signs of possible neglect.

They were seized and transported to a rescue facility for rehabilitation. YCSO says the case remains open pending further investigation and the medical evaluation of all the horses.

The case will be referred to the Yamhill County District Attorney’s Office once concluded, YCSO said in a statement.