The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office seized 15 horses in March after a weekslong animal neglect investigation on a farm east of Bend.

Deputies initially cited a 66-year-old woman, Jean Poirier, who owns the roughly 9-acre farm, Lt. Bryan Husband of the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

A grand jury indicted Poirier on Monday on 15 counts of second-degree animal neglect, which is a misdemeanor, and a felony count of second-degree animal neglect, Husband said.

The investigation began March 6 after deputies received reports of animal neglect on Poirier’s property. She cooperated, Husband said. Several days of veterinary examinations of the 15 horses and 17 dogs found on the property ensued.

The sheriff’s office seized the 15 horses on March 14. Husband said they were in dire need of intervention — particularly veterinary care, hoof care and proper feed.

“The 17 dogs were in better condition than the horses and were allowed to remain with Poirier based upon her continued cooperation,” Husband said in the release.

Husband told The Bulletin Poirier has been a dog breeder for several years.

“The horses were the remnant of her and her husband’s previous horse-breeding operation,” he said.

The horses were taken to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Rescue Ranch, a 23-acre rehabilitation ranch for abandoned, abused and neglected livestock.

The horses seized, which range in age from 13-29 years old, “are already showing signs of improvement,” Husband said.

Once the horses are rehabilitated, they will be put up for adoption.

Poirier has a plea hearing scheduled for late May, according to Deschutes County Circuit Court records.