Police began investigating Carol Rae Epping, 43, and Heath Christopher Epping, 40, in December after an anonymous caller reported seeing two horses and two dogs in poor condition at a home in the 3300 block of Spring Villa Road SE.
Officers discovered two dogs named Rudy and Sammy outside the home without any signs of food, water or shelter. Both dogs were reported as extremely weak with visible signs of muscular deterioration.
A veterinarian at the Marion County Animal Shelter determined that Rudy and Sammy had been neglected for an extended period of time and could not be rehabilitated due to their age and condition.
They were subsequently euthanized.
Only one horse named Banjo was located on the property, which was described by police as thin and “in poor health.” The horse also lacked food, water and shelter.
Police said the second horse died in December and was buried on the property before they started their investigation.
Carol Epping told police that she and her husband separated in September of 2012 and she lacked the money to buy food for the animals. She also said she believed caring for the dogs and horses was Heath Epping’s responsibility.
Police said that although both Epping’s had access to the house and property, Carol Epping was the primary resident since the couple’s separation.
Family members of the Epping’s agreed to feed and care for the horse until the couple signed over ownership to the United SPCA in Yamhill on Jan. 9.
While inspecting the animal, veterinarian Barbara Kahl, who is the president of United SPCA, removed metal staples and glass shards form the horse's hooves and mane. Police said Banjo lived in a field “full of discarded garbage” and he likely stepped on broken bottles and roofing staples.
Kahl filed a report with the police stating that Banjo was also malnourished for some time and showed “a pattern of neglect for even the very basic maintenance and care.”
The horse is up for adoption with the SPCA after a month of rehabilitation.
The responding veterinarian rated the horse as a two on a scale of one to 10.
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| Banjo has recovered from its abuse |
(statesmanjournal.com - Feb 11, 2013)
