Saturday, October 10, 2009

Woman found guilty of animal abuse, animal neglect


By Kristina Nelson


COQUILLE, Ore. - A North Bend woman is found guilty Friday morning, of animal abuse and neglect, after a two day trial brought forward graphic testimony into the handling and condition of ten horses on her property.

Bobbye Cikanek, was back in a Coos County courtroom Thursday for day two of her jury trial.

The focus of the prosecution continued to be the health and condition of all ten horses, including a newborn foal, born on May 5th and its mother, both taken from the property by law enforcement officials, on May 7th.

Heidi Erickson, has a horse boarding facility down the road from Cikanek and has been taking care of the foal and mare.

She describes the condition she first saw them in.

"There was a mare and a newborn foal, what appeared to be just a newborn laying in the mud. At that point I actually wasn't sure if it was alive or dead. The mare was standing back off in the corner, away from the foal, I would say she was distressed."

Cikanek took the stand in the afternoon and was asked by her attorney, Alan Goldman, whether she noticed any health conditions or problems with her horses while on her North Bend property, to which she replied no.

In their closing arguments, both sides took one last chance to discuss the case.

"Was she reckless? Yes. Ms. Cikanek herself told you that she has 46 years of experience handling horses. Would a reasonable person, who has care and the knowledge to deal with horses, leave a foal in the mud for two days in March in Oregon? No," said Prosecuting Attorney Shani Krumholz..." More