The owner of a Wellington horse rescue accused of abusing the animals in her care was arrested Friday on 12 counts of animal cruelty, a misdemeanor.
Alesha Matchett turned herself over to Loveland police and was released after posting a $3,000 bond.
But Matchett could face additional charges after Larimer sheriff and Larimer Humane Society officials on Friday seized six horses, two llamas and several goats from the facility she operates — Animals Angels Horse Rescue.
Investigators seized 27 animals from the horse rescue Dec. 29 — including horses, ponies, llamas and goats — after the county received complaints they were malnourished and dehydrated. The animals were put under the care of the Humane Society and the sheriff’s department.
On Friday, Larimer County District Judge Jolene Blair ruled against lowering the $9,700 bond Matchett must pay to help feed and care for the animals. Blair also refused to rule on an injunction filed by Matchett’s attorney to try to block the animals from being placed under foster care.
The animals were being examined Friday by veterinarians from Colorado State University just before they were being moved to various farms in the area, said 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 a $5,000 fine on each count.
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com.
