Forty-five horses, 30 cows removed from property

The animals were removed to two local farms to receive care as inquiries in alleged animal neglect continue.

The Humane Society of the United States helped the Harney County Sheriff's Department in the operation to remove the animals.

Two residents of the property were each charged this week with five counts of first-degree animal neglect and four counts of second-degree animal neglect - all misdemeanors - after police alleged they failed to provide proper care for their horses.

"We are grateful that the Harney County sheriff takes animal neglect seriously," said Scott Beckstead, the society's Oregon senior state director, who helped at the scene.

Sheriff David Glerup sought the society's help at the property, where the remains of several dead animals were found.

Scott Beckstead and Jackie Beckstead, the society's animal cruelty caseworker, helped with the rescue effort. Both are trained in assessing animal neglect and have extensive farm animal handling experience.

It is alleged that animals were malnourished and diseased and had overgrown or misshapen hooves.

"Some have untreated injuries and others are obviously very sick," the society said in a statement. "There are calves only a few days old nursing on painfully thin mother cows, and several mares appear to be pregnant."

Corrals and handling facilities at the property were insufficient for the job.

In addition to the humane society, the sheriff enlisted the help of the Bureau of Land Management, which cares for wild horses waiting for adoption in the Burns area, and volunteers from the Oregon Horse Welfare Council.

The society also arranged for two veterinarians to examine the animals and provide veterinary care during the rescue operation.