After receiving numerous complaints from Park County residents concerning malnourished horses located at 940 Litmer Road in Jefferson, Colorado, the Park County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Division began to investigate the complaints. According to a press release issued by the Park County Sheriff's Office, Animal Control contacted Carol Martin and Keith Synnestvedt, the residents at that address.

Upon initial investigation, Park County Animal Control Officers observed that several horses were listed officially as being in "inadequate body condition." A plan of action was worked out between Park County Sheriff's Animal Control Division and the owners of the horses to get the horses needed nourishment and restore good health. The Animal Control Division worked with the owners to accomplish this and monitor the situation, the press release states. A written agreement was prepared for cooperation among the horse owners, the Sheriff's Office Animal Control Division, and a local veterinarian.

On December 22, 2007, Park County Animal Control received another complaint that a horse had died, the news release states. Following up on the complaint, Park County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Officer Matthew Sexton discovered three dead horses and another horse that was dying. A local veterinarian was contacted to put the dying horse down.

Warrants were then prepared and executed at the residence. Eleven horses were voluntarily surrendered. The horses were transported to a horse rescue center near Pueblo, Colorado. According to the news release, Carol Martin and Keith Synnestvedt were both charged with seven counts of cruelty to animals, a class one misdemeanor.

"The case is ongoing at this time. Our Animal Control Officers are making weekly inspections to check on the condition of the remaining horses," said Undersheriff Monte Gore.