Mitchell Man Charged with 12 Counts of Animal Neglect (PHOTOS)

The owner has been charged with twelve counts of Animal Neglect in the Second Degree, a Class B misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

(MITCHELL, Ore.) - A Mitchell, Oregon man has been charged through the Wheeler County District Attorney's Office with twelve counts of Animal Neglect in the Second Degree. This is related to an investigation that started last June, that involved the execution of search warrants on the property.

On June 23rd 2009 Oregon State Police troopers and Wheeler County Sheriff's deputies served three search warrants in the Mitchell area in south Wheeler County over numerous horses and mules that were the subject of the animal neglect investigation.

Investigators say the search warrants followed a month long investigation by OSP troopers and a Wheeler County Deputy Sheriff.

During the service of these warrants, thirty horses and two mules were seized after an on-site evaluation was completed by an Oregon Department of Agriculture veterinarian and evidence of neglect was found in each animal. Lack of hoof care was a primary issue, as well as the conditions the animals were being held in.

The horses and mules were seized and taken to an undisclosed location to receive proper care. OSP and the Wheeler County Sheriff's Office were assisted by Bureau of Land Management enforcement officers and the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

48-year old Robert Ashbaugh of Mitchell, has been charged with twelve counts of Animal Neglect in the Second Degree, a Class B misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.

The Wheeler County Sheriff's Department is asking those who wish to donate for the care of these animals to call 866-274-9231.