Oregon: Cattle farmers William Holdner and Jane Baum convicted of 122 counts animal cruelty

OREGON -- A Columbia County jury has convicted two residents in one of the longest animal cruelty cases in the state, Oregon Humane Society said Tuesday.

William Holdner (Will Holdner, Bill Holdner), 88, and Jane Baum were convicted of 122 counts in the neglect of 170 cattle rescued two years ago in a joint investigation by the society and the Columbia County Sheriff's Office.

 

Veterinarians said many of the cattle were severely malnourished while others were suffering from serious eye and other illnesses.

The trial lasted three weeks, ending last Friday with Holdner convicted of 16 counts of first degree animal neglect and 79 counts of second-degree neglect. Baum was convicted of one count of first-degree neglect and 26 counts of second-degree neglect.

They face up to one year in jail and a $6,250 fine for each first-degree count, and six months of jail and a $2,500 fine for each count of neglect in the second degree.

 

"This is one of the largest and most complex animal cruelty cases to be prosecuted in Oregon," said Deputy District Attorney Jake Kamins, who prosecutes cases statewide. "It's the longest trial I have had, and this verdict is very gratifying."

Sharon Harmon, executive director of the society, echoed that sentiment. "The jury's verdict leaves no doubt that owners who fail to provide food and medical care for their animals will face criminal penalties," she said.

Holdner and Baum will be sentenced Dec. 5.

(Oregon Live - Oct 7, 2014)

Earlier:

• Oregon: Dozens of Starving and Injured Cattle Seized from William Holdner in Columbia County Animal Neglect Case