Video: Dead and starving horses found

Larger screen

SEATTLE – A King County woman has been charged with animal cruelty after more than two dozen dead and starving horses were found in King and Snohomish counties. 

Jean Elledge, 56, was charged with three counts of animal cruelty in the first degree.

According to probable cause documents, necropsies on three of the dead horses revealed that the animals died of starvation. In addition, a veterinarian stated that nine horses that were seized "suffered from significant pain and suffering due to neglect."

The rescuers who helped save the horses say it was one horror story after another on the Carnation property where they helped animal control officers serve a warrant.

One colt, named Phoenix by his rescuers, was so starved and dehydrated, he went straight to an animal hospital.

"I do not think he would have survived the week.  After seeing the dead bodies line up, it really solidified that in my mind," said Monroe veterinarian Hannah Evergreen.

One little white horse was so hungry, it was trying to nurse off a six-month-old colt.

A mare was dying trying to nurse her sick baby.

Four horses were found dead.  The ten survivors have lice, parasites, hoof ailments and skin disease called "rain rot."

"It's the worst I've ever seen. Been doing rescue three years, never seen anything like this," said Jamie Taft of the group Save a Forgotten Equine.

At Elledge's bail hearing, family members painted a much different picture.

"My sister doesn't have a cruel bone in her body.  She's such a loving person."

But the judge wasn't sympathetic.

"This is a dangerous human being who can't see to take care of horses or to get help from the many agencies available," said Judge Richard Bathum, King County Superior Court.

In fact, it's not the first time Elledge, who has recently lived in King and Snohomish Counties, has been charged with animal cruelty.  Veterinarian Dana Bridges testified against her eight years ago when she was charged with starving to death a two-year-old filly.

"She had pressure sores the size of dinner plates on her hips. It was the saddest thing I've ever seen," said Bridges.

But the charge was dismissed after the jury failed to reach a verdict.

Now, there are new allegations involving sick and dead animals in two counties.

These are only a few of the horses found in dire straits.  In fact, their owner is also under investigation in Snohomish County for Animal Cruelty.  On Friday, animal control officers seized ten horses from a property she rents in Monroe.  KING 5 News is told there were several dead horses there as well.