Yamhill County woman facing animal neglect charges

HOPEWELL, Ore. — Yamhill County authorities are investigating an animal neglect case after finding at least nine dead animals at a rural home in Hopewell.

Oregon Humane Society officials took 64 animals from the property, including horses, dogs, pigs, cats, goats, cows, chickens and a guinea pig.

Additionally, five chickens, two goats and two calves were found dead on the property.

Resident Kerrie Casas, 41, was cited for first- and second-degree animal neglect. She was not taken into custody.

"It's a travesty," she said. "I'm guilty of letting my dogs stray, not giving animals a proper burial and maybe being a lousy housekeeper."

The investigation into possible animal neglect began in April, said Kathy Covey of the Oregon Humane Society, when Casas applied for a kennel permit, which was contested by neighbors.

That allowed county officials to go on the property, which led to the animal-neglect investigation.

If Casas is found guilty she won't be allowed to own livestock or domestic animals for as long as five years.