Columbia Co. Couple Convicted in One of Oregon’s Largest Animal Cruelty Cases

Tuesday, October 07, 2014

Kirsten Nicolaisen, GoLocalPDX Digital Producer

A neglected cow suffering from eye cancer was one of 170 animals seized July 26, 2012

Last week, a Columbia County jury convicted William Holdner and Jane Baum of more than 120 counts of animal neglect in relation to a commercial cattle operation.

Holdner and Baum had 170 cattle that were seized by the county sheriff's office and the Oregon Human Society during the summer of 2012.

The Humane Society said that veterinarians found many of the cattle to be severely underweight and others to be suffering from serious illnesses.

After a three-week long trial, the jury convicted Holdner of over 80 counts of first and second degree animal neglect. Baum was convicted of 27 counts of neglect.

The unanimous conviction on all counts marked the end of one of the longest animal trials in the history of the Oregon, according to the Humane Society.

“This is one of the largest and most complex animal cruelty cases to be prosecuted in Oregon,” said Deputy District Attorney Jake Kamins, who prosecutes animal cruelty cases throughout the state. “It’s the longest trial I have had, and this verdict is very gratifying.”

Holdner and Baum face up to one year in jail and a $6,250 fine for each first-degree count, and six months of jail and a $2,500 fine for each second-degree count. Sentencing is set for December 5.