LCAR Invesitgative Team

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Livestock Investigation Team is to deliver to residents within our County as effective and efficient courteous
response to animal care and control issues. We are committed in providing services for their well-being through enforcement
of city ordinances, county, state, and federal law. We strive to help those animals which are neglected, abused, and or
unwanted gain or regain their ability to function. To advance our cause we are focused on community outreach and education.
We are determined on educating the community on proper animal care and preventing those who are incapable in being able
to retain animals. Mainly the Livestock Investigation Team deals with and enforces crimes against equine.

(1) All calls to complain about or report neglected, abused, or abandon horse(s) must go to the Sheriff's Office 541-967-3911.
Please report directly to the Sheriff's Office, we can not respond without an investigation and permission from the Sheriff's
Office.

(2) A Deputy is dispatched to determine if a crime is present. If it is determined that a crime has been committed a report is
made and the matter is turned over for criminal investigation. If charges are filed and the horse(s) need to be seized LCAR is
notified.

(3) If it is determined the people can be educated and helped to understand how to improve to care for their horse(s) both
SOLIT and LCAR work with them.

It is important that Linn County has a Livestock Investigation Team and Linn County Animal Rescue, it is clear the problem of
animal abuse, neglect, and abandonment especially horses is growing. Nationwide the numbers have reached 90,000 to
100,000 (In 2002 Deschutes County seized 125 horses: in 2006 285 horses were inspected) the number are much higher
now.

What does a Livestock Investigator do during an investigation?

Being that the Livestock Investigator has some training and/or experience specializing them in Livestock Investigation they
are capable of obtaining detailed information. For Example:

" Obtains the animal(s) records. This includes any payments of feed, equine trainer, riding instructor, stable manager, and
equine breeder records. Also, registration, veterinarian and/or farrier records.

" Obtain statements from all persons involved.

" Evaluates the animal(s) using the System of Evaluation Body Score Chart and assigns a score. See standardized example
on University of Maine site.

" Records detailed information of the animal(s) in question. The Deputy will take photographs; record the animal's markings
and etc.

" Investigates the facilities and feed. Seize some of the feed as evidence. Equine shall receive at a minimum the equivalent of
3% of their body weight per day in high quality forage and grain. Recommended half acre of pasture per equine on the
property. A recommended 12x12 foot stall per standard size equine in barn with turnout or pasture; or a three-sided run-in
shelter with a recommended 12x12 feet per equine in pasture. Livestock shall be provided with shelter that provides
protection from extreme weather including but not limited to: prevailing wind, snow, sleet, rain, sun, and temperature
extremes.

" Advise the owner to pay for a veterinarian and/or farrier at their own expenses to perform an evaluation of the animal in
question. If the owner refuses a Search Warrant needs to be applied for.

" Follow-up with the evaluation performed by the veterinarian and/or farrier.

" If it applies, a Deputy will advise the owner that it is in their best interest to relinquish ownership of the animal or a follow-up
plan is discussed with the owner.

" If the owner refuses and/or a Search Warrant is granted and a crime is present, the Deputy will contact a Foster Home and
arrange for removal and new shelter for the animal.