Kandi Crow, 66, of White Schoolhouse Road, is accused of failing to provide minimal care for 11 more miniature horses, including one named Gracie that suffered serious injury due to lack of care, according to an indictment.
Crow's trial began Tuesday in Josephine County Circuit Court and could last into Thursday. She waived her right to a jury, allowing Judge Thomas Hull to decide the case.
Josephine County Animal Protection Officer Dave Pitts was among those who took the stand Tuesday. He answered questions from defense attorney Joe Maier, who asked him about what the officer saw and recorded, including an incident in which Crow was seen handling miniature horses in a trailers.
As a condition of probation from her 2013 conviction for animal abuse and neglect, Crow was prohibited from contact with animals. She also is charged with violating that condition of her probation.
In addition, Crow is accused of unlawfully possessing cats and a dog. Pitts testified he had offered to take the cats for adoption.
A special prosecutor, Animal Cruelty Deputy District Attorney Jake Kamins of Corvallis, is handling the state's case. Among those due to testify for the prosecution is local veterinarian Gary Buckmaster and Animal Protection Officer Marcy Handley.
Four years ago, 170 miniature horses and other animals were seized from Crow's ranch, with several animals so sick they were euthanized.
Others had parasites, lack of dental care and lack of hoof care.
Crow pleaded guilty in that case to charges of animal neglect and abuse, and was sentenced to 40 days' custody plus five years of probation.
The sentence in that case drew criticism, even as word began to spread that Crow was violating the terms of her probation.
Taxpayers, meanwhile, footed a $300,000 bill for the cost of caring for the animals.
Ten years ago, Crow also was charged with animal abuse and neglect, but the charges were dismissed nearly two years later, after her lawyer claimed she did not get a speedy trial.
Arrested last June in the latest case, Crow posted $5,000 bail and was released a few days later.
In all, she faces one charge of felony first-degree animal neglect for the care of Gracie, plus 10 charges of second-degree animal neglect for the care of 10 other miniature horses.
(Grants Pass Daily Courier - Apr. 27, 2016)
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