The owner of a Wellington horse rescue accused of abusing the animals in her care was arrested today on 12 counts of animal cruelty, a misdemeanor.
Alesha Matchett turned herself in to Loveland police and was released after posting $3,000 bail.
But Matchett could face additional charges after Larimer Sheriff and Larimer Humane Society officials today seized six horses, two llamas and several goats from the facility she operates, Animal Angels Horse Rescue.
Investigators seized 27 animals from the horse rescue on Dec. 29 — including horses, ponies, llamas and goats — after the county received complaints that they were malnourished and dehydrated.
The animals were put under the care of the Humane Society and the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, and most had been housed at the county fairgrounds in Loveland.
Larimer County District Judge Jolene Blair today ruled against lowering the $9,700 bond Matchett must put up to help feed and care for the animals.
Blair also refused to rule on an injunction request filed by Matchett’s attorney to try to block the animals from being placed under foster care.
The animals were being examined today by veterinarians from Colorado State University just before they were being moved to various farms and ranches in the area, said Larimer sheriff’s spokeswoman Eloise Campanella.
“We’ve checked these places out, and they are all good places for them,” she said.
The livestock will remain there until the court case against Matchett is completed and permanent homes can be located.
Matchett faces up to 18 months in jail and/or a $5,000 fine on each count.
The animals seized today also were transported to the Larimer fairgrounds. Sheriff’s investigators will meet with prosecutors to see whether any new charges are warranted, Campanella said.
Matchett has denied abusing the animals, saying they were already suffering from mistreatment when they were place in her care.
Matchett “is, and has been for many years, selflessly devoted to the health and welfare of mistreated animals and serves a public interest by operating a rescue,” her lawyer, Jennifer Thomaidis, said in court papers filed Thursday.
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com
