[1]Jennifer Jenkins, left, consults with temporary defense attorney Joely O’Rourke in Lewis County District Court.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The Onalaska woman who owns the nine horses and the two acres they were seized from by the county was upset to find herself in court yesterday.
“Outraged, floored, that they didn’t just come out and help me,” Jennifer Jenkins said after the hearing. “And turned it into a giant fiasco.”
Jenkins was arrested for animal cruelty the day before, following the evaluation of a young horse found trapped on its side in a pen of mud for an unknown length of time.
[2]Tuesday April 5, 2016
Her own veterinarian advised the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office the animal was suffering from a painful skin infection from lack of shelter and/or blankets and was very malnourished, according to a narrative from the deputy assigned to the case.
The other eight horses occupying firmer ground had the same skin infection, according to Dr. Christian Affeldt. He described their living conditions with the mud and manure field as terrible, and not suitable for as many horses as Jenkins had on the property.
Lewis County District Court Judge Wade Samuelson yesterday afternoon entered pleas of not guilty to nine counts of animal cruelty and told Jenkins she may not possess or care for any livestock until her case is resolved.
Specifically, he ordered her not to ride, lead, groom or even pet a horse.
Jenkins, 44, was accompanied to court by a friend, and said she may have more comments on her situation later.
The fire department, deputies, code enforcement personnel and others spent hours on Tuesday rescuing the horse at Jenkins’ residence on the 2500 block of state Route 508 east of Onalaska.
Jenkins had gone to her veterinarian to ask for help and her neighbor summoned assistance by calling 911.
On Wednesday, Dr. Affeldt and also a veterinarian from the state Department of Agriculture looked at the animals. The state vet determined they were in pain caused from the deplorable living conditions and in serious need of medical attention, according to the sheriff’s office.
One of the mares is due to foal in the next couple of weeks, according to the Lewis County Animal Shelter.
Jenkins is charged with nine counts of animal cruelty in violation of Lewis County code. The offenses are gross misdemeanors with maximum penalties of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.
While she was booked into jail Wednesday, she was released by posting bail in the amount of $4,500.
The code relates to criminal negligence and failing to provide adequate care.
Jenkins was assigned to a court appointed lawyer, David Brown.
Her next appearance in court is not yet scheduled, but would be expected to take place in a couple of weeks, according to Lewis County District.
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For background, read “Onalaska horse pulled from mud hole getting evaluated ” from Wednesday April 6, 2016, here [3]
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[4]Rescuers offer water to young horse after pulling it from mud on Tuesday. / Courtesy photo by Lewis County Fire District 1