Ninth horse dies in Trout Lake abuse case

The horse that died was named "Roy," and was approximately 10 years old, according to Foss. The animal became the ninth to die in the starvation incident.

On Feb. 3, the Klickitat County Sheriff's Office issued a search warrant at 18 Pine Flat Road in Trout Lake after receiving a report that two dead horses and a starving horse had been seen on that property.

When deputies searched the site, a total of eight deceased horses were discovered, along with three additional horses that were starving. The three survivors were taken to Hood River for intensive care.

KCSO arrested Teri Desri Cooley, 38, and charged her with 11 felony counts of alleged animal cruelty in the first degree. Cooley, who was released on her own recognizance, was to be arraigned in Superior Court on Feb. 17.

Foss said the other two surviving animals, a mule and a gelding -- appeared to be recovering.

"They are just kind of hanging in, and they're eating. They're not gaining as much weight as we'd like to see, but that's to be expected," he explained. "But they are bright and alert and active and seem to be doing well."

The remaining two horses are still being fed every four hours and are on a special diet. Foss said he believes the level of intensive care can be decreased soon.

"The more I've learned, we still can't say they're in the clear. We can still lose them a month out," Foss explained. "We believe we're through the worst part, but just don't know. We just don't know how much damage to the heart and kidneys. But we're cautiously optimistic."

Foss said the horses are being kept in a warm and dry facility in Hood River.

"We don't want them burning more calories to stay warm," Foss pointed out.

Residents of Trout Lake remained upset over the incident.

"This didn't have to happen," said resident Jeannie Marshall. "There are many animal lovers in the close-knit community of Trout Lake. We would have gladly provided feed or temporary homes for the horses, if only we had known in time."

Foss agreed with Marshall's assessment.

"In my opinion, their suffering was totally unnecessary. There are a lot of people who would have helped out," he said. "The bottom line, if someone thinks something like this is going on, contact officials and try to be ahead of it, rather than get to this stage."