Heather J. Birkmire, a 45-year-old former operator of Pure Gold Stables and Equestrian Center in Salem Township, Ohio, faces nine misdemeanor animal cruelty charges after the remains of five horses were found at her former facility. A Columbiana County grand jury indicted her on May 5, 2026, on five counts of cruelty to animals and four counts of improper disposition of dead or destroyed animals. She pleaded not guilty at her May 8 arraignment and is barred from contact with any companion animals or livestock while the case proceeds.1Morning Journal News. Former Stable Operator Pleads Not Guilty to Misdemeanor Charges Related to Horse Deaths
The Nine Charges and What They Carry
The indictment splits into two groups. The five cruelty-to-animals counts are second-degree misdemeanors, each carrying up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine. The four improper disposition counts are fourth-degree misdemeanors, each carrying up to 30 days and a $250 fine. Columbiana County Prosecutor Vito J. Abruzzino said that if Birkmire were convicted on every count and the sentences ran consecutively, she would face a maximum of 570 days in county jail and $4,750 in fines.2Salem News. Woman Accused of Cruelty to Animals Now Ordered to Have No Contact With Livestock
The charging period runs from May 1, 2024, through October 26, 2025. Pure Gold’s Facebook page indicated the hunter/jumper facility was still hosting shows, clinics, and lessons as recently as the spring of 2025, overlapping with the window of alleged neglect.3Morning Journal News. Former Stable Owner Charged in Horse Deaths Can’t Have Any Animals
What Was Found at Pure Gold Stables
On October 26, 2025, the decomposing remains of four horses were discovered inside a boarded-up round pen at the 35-acre property at 3325 State Route 45 in Salem Township. A horse trainer negotiating a lease on the property, Taylor Robb, and a farrier helping her, Christian Milhoan, made the discovery. Three horses were in individual stalls; a fourth was in a corner with dirt piled on it. Two still wore winter blankets, and the wooden stall walls had been chewed through.4Chronicle of the Horse. Dead Horses Found Locked in Stalls at Ohio Show Barn May Have Died 2 Years Ago
Birkmire had told Robb to stay out of the back barn and round pen, saying they held furniture and equipment.5Farm and Dairy. Remains of Four Horses Found in Salem, Ohio, Stables A responding Columbiana County Sheriff’s deputy reported that the four skeletons were mostly decomposed, with only patches of skin remaining, and that feed buckets held only straw remnants.6Salem News. More Details Revealed in Pure Gold Investigation Seven live horses were also on the property in poor health and were removed by their owners.7Review Online. Sheriff’s Office Seeking Information on Four Horse Deaths at Pure Gold Stables
A later search of the grounds turned up more horse remains in the woods, and the skeletal remains of a fifth horse were recovered from a burn pit. That fifth animal accounts for the gap between four bodies found in the pen and five cruelty counts.8WKBN. Charges Filed in Case of Horse Remains Found in Barn
Cause of Death and Birkmire’s Account
Sheriff’s detectives sent the remains to Michigan State University for necropsy. The results confirmed the horses died of dehydration and starvation, Abruzzino said.8WKBN. Charges Filed in Case of Horse Remains Found in Barn Sheriff Brian McLaughlin said some remains may have been in the stalls for up to two years. At least one horse was identified by microchip and had raced as recently as 2024; a groom who worked with that horse at the track confirmed it had been sold to Birkmire.4Chronicle of the Horse. Dead Horses Found Locked in Stalls at Ohio Show Barn May Have Died 2 Years Ago
Birkmire gave investigators a different account. She said she could not find the keys to the round pen, though deputies observed that the gate chain was simply looped over a bolt and could be opened without a key.9Farm and Dairy. Woman Charged in Deaths of Horses at Former Pure Gold Stables She told authorities she believed the horses had been poisoned and suggested a former employee with a grievance might be responsible, but the sheriff’s report noted she “did not articulate any specific instance, threat or direct reason” to support the claim.10WFMJ. Remains of Horses Found in Salem Twp. May Date Back to Last Winter She also claimed Robb had been responsible for feeding the horses during the two weeks before the discovery under an informal verbal arrangement, with no signed contract.11WFMJ. Dead Horse Remains Found at Pure Gold Stables in Salem Investigators concluded the horses had been dead for months before Robb set foot on the property.
Bond and Restrictions
At the May 8, 2026 arraignment in Columbiana County Municipal Court, Judge Danielle Menning set a $5,000 recognizance bond with a condition that Birkmire could not keep any companion animals. Birkmire was represented by attorney Ron Yarwood.1Morning Journal News. Former Stable Operator Pleads Not Guilty to Misdemeanor Charges Related to Horse Deaths
Three days later, on May 11, 2026, Judge Menning granted a prosecution motion to expand the restriction. Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Bonish argued that because the alleged victims were horses, Birkmire posed a danger to livestock as well. The amended order bars her from contact with any companion animals or livestock while the case is pending, including on any property she may own or co-own.2Salem News. Woman Accused of Cruelty to Animals Now Ordered to Have No Contact With Livestock
Next Court Date
A pretrial hearing is scheduled for August 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in Columbiana County Municipal Court.