Creswell Woman Arrested in 2019 Horse Neglect Case

Gwenyth Ellen Davies was taken into custody after fleeing probation and restitution orders

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A 55-year-old Creswell, Oregon woman has been arrested and jailed in Lane County for her role in a 2019 case of animal neglect involving 61 horses. Gwenyth Ellen Davies was originally charged with 11 counts of Animal Neglect in the 2nd Degree after a search warrant uncovered emaciated and malnourished horses, as well as several horse carcasses, on her property. Davies pleaded guilty but then disappeared, leading to an extraditable warrant for her arrest. She was recently apprehended by the Los Angeles Police Department as she re-entered the U.S. and has now been extradited back to Oregon to face the outstanding charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in holding animal abusers accountable, especially when they attempt to evade justice. The 2019 incident required a significant multi-agency response and community support to rescue and care for the neglected horses. Davies' arrest after years on the run sends a strong message that animal cruelty will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The details

In October 2019, Lane County Sheriff's deputies executed a search warrant at Davies' property on Camas Swale Road after an investigation into ongoing animal abuse. Authorities, assisted by Lane County Animal Services and the Oregon Humane Society, removed 61 horses that were found to be emaciated and malnourished. Several horse carcasses were also discovered on the property, and some of the rescued horses did not survive. Davies was later charged with 11 counts of Animal Neglect in the 2nd Degree, to which she pleaded guilty. She was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution, but then disappeared before completing her sentence.

  • In October 2019, Lane County Sheriff's deputies executed a search warrant at Davies' property.
  • In 2023, Lane County Circuit Court issued an extraditable warrant for Davies' arrest after she failed to complete her probation and restitution.
  • In January 2026, Davies was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department as she re-entered the U.S. at a port of entry.
  • On February 12, 2026, Davies was lodged at the Lane County Jail on the outstanding warrant.

The players

Gwenyth Ellen Davies

A 55-year-old woman from Creswell, Oregon who was charged with 11 counts of Animal Neglect in the 2nd Degree in 2019 after authorities found emaciated and malnourished horses, as well as horse carcasses, on her property.

Lane County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that executed the search warrant at Davies' property in 2019 and continued the investigation that led to her eventual arrest.

Lane County Animal Services

The agency that assisted the Lane County Sheriff's Office in the 2019 investigation and removal of the neglected horses from Davies' property.

Oregon Humane Society

The animal welfare organization that also assisted the Lane County Sheriff's Office and Lane County Animal Services in the 2019 investigation and rescue of the neglected horses.

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What’s next

The Lane County Sheriff's Office will continue to work with the Lane County District Attorney's Office to ensure Davies faces the full consequences of her actions.

The takeaway

The arrest of Gwenyth Ellen Davies demonstrates the persistence of law enforcement in pursuing justice for cases of animal cruelty, even when offenders try to escape accountability. This case underscores the importance of strong collaboration between agencies and the community to protect vulnerable animals from neglect and abuse.