11/18/08 Ranger

Found in the Deschutes National Forest, Ranger has become a poster child for the plight of unwanted horses. I'm Jeff Keane, stay tuned and I will tell you about a saga with a happy ending. Horses often pay a high price for the high cost of feed. Rescue groups are currently inundated with abandoned animals. Here is Susan Allen with Ranger's story. Jeff, Ranger was found by hunters in Central Oregon who saw the horse aimlessly wandering with a bullet hole in his head and alerted officials . The six year old Arabian is now receiving medical care in Bend and when stabilized will have the bullet and one eye removed. The national media picked up Rangers story and Deschutes County officials have been inundated with public out pouring and outrage. A tipster identified the horse as a lesson horse from a kid's camp leading to the arrest of camp wrangler Russell Willeford. But Jeff, like we learned with the Michael Vick ordeal, our society will no longer tolerate animal cruelty . In the past Willeford would typically received a puny fine, today he is charged with animal abuse, attempted animal abuse, animal abandonment, criminal mischief, and theft. His bond was set at $16,000 plus he has to pay restitution; thousands of dollars of vet bills. The happy ending? &Upon full recovery Ranger will reside at an equine therapy facility where he will be used to help abused and neglected children. You can bet Ranger will get more than his share of carrots. I'm Jeff Keane.