The owners of five starving horses and a number of dogs left in freezing temperatures near Silverton have been arrested and charged with multiple accusations of animal neglect.
Sharon Burnett, 63, and her husband, Kenneth "Butch" Burnett, 66, have been ordered to appear in Marion County Circuit Court on March 25th and April 4th, respectively. They have been released from jail, pending their court dates.
The five starving horses and a number of dogs were suffering from exposure and lack of food as temperatures dropped into the teens when deputies were called on February 24.
The owners were out of state at the time and had arranged for a neighbor to care for the animals, although the owners had not sent the promised funds to pay for the food and care.
Authorities say the Burnetts offered little explanation for the condition of the horses and dogs.
The dogs have been placed with the Humane Society and the horses are in the custody of two horse rescue organizations. One of the mares is in foal, and both she and the foal are at serious risk because of the malnourished condition of the mare.