Warning: This story contains graphic descriptions of animal cruelty that some readers may find disturbing.
DEER PARK, Wash. – A Deer Park man is under investigation for animal cruelty after a pony was found dead and other animals were found malnourished on his property.
According to court documents, 71-year-old Gordon Kahanu is under investigation for first and second degree animal cruelty.
On May 4, SCRAPS received an anonymous complaint expressing concern for a white pony living at a residence on North Austin Road in Deer Park, according to court documents. They said that the pony had been lying underneath a lean-to without moving for the last three days.
According to court documents, the caller was concerned that the pony was dead.
On May 5, an animal protection officer with SCRAPS arrived at the residence and saw the pony lying under the lean-to, according to court documents. He was unsure if it was dead or alive.
The officer knocked on the door to the resident four times but received no answer, according to court documents. He eventually decided that there was a need to enter the property and make sure that the pony was OK.
When the officer approached the pony, he realized it was dead, according to court documents. The pony looked skinny and was lying with its head pressed into the corner of the lean-to.
The officer took a photo of the pony and other animals that appeared concerning, according to court documents.
The officer also found multiple sheep, goats and an alpaca that appeared to have too much wool and hair on their bodies, according to court documents. This can result in painful structural injuries that can cause long-term health problems.
According to court documents, the officer also saw three full-grown horses and a smaller pony on the property that looked malnourished.
There was very little feed at the location, along with a trace amount of green hay in the lean-to where the white pony died, according to court documents.
Pastures on the property had been eaten down to the roots. According to court documents, the growth was too short for any of the horses to feed.
The officer looked up the address history for the residents and found that other animal protection officers had responded to the residence five times in 2017 and once in 2018 for concerns about the animals, according to court documents. On each occasion, minor concerns were identified.
The officer said he is concerned for the welfare of the remaining animals and the property and believes they will die if the issue is left unaddressed, according to court documents.
According to court documents, the officer also believes that the white pony most likely died of starvation.
A search warrant has been issued for the residence, animals alive or dead, evidence of animal cruelty, proof of care and ownership, and proof of animal food or purchase of it.
