Neglected horses rescued
by ANTHONY QUIRINI - Ravalli Republic
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More than 30 rescued horses and one llama were brought to the Ravalli County Fairgrounds Tuesday night while the owners are being investigated for neglect. The Bitter Root Humane Association is caring for the animals and seeking donations.
WILL MOSS - Ravalli Republic |
More than 30 bloodied, battered and bony horses are in good hands now after law enforcement officials placed them under the care of the Bitter Root Humane Association Tuesday night.
The association rounded up 34 horses and one llama and brought them to the Ravalli County Fairgrounds, their temporary home until authorities figure out what to do with them. The sheriff's office is investigating the incident but no charges have been filed.
Among the herd are many yearlings reduced to skin and bones from emaciation. Now, the nonprofit association is left to come up with about a half ton of hay a day to feed the neglected animals. The association is asking for community members to contribute grass hay or monetary donations for veterinary care of the animals.
“We just need to let the community know that the shelter needs some help,” said Vicki Dawson, the associations operations manager.
Dawson said some of the animals could hardly walk. Practically all the animals have their ribs and backbones showing and many had open wounds.
Charlotte Springer, an employee of the association who has been working with many others taking care of the horses, has been feeding and cleaning open wounds.
“Some of the wounds were clear to the bone,” she said, “her (a ghostly thin mare) bone was showing in two places.”
A veterinarian rated the animals on a scale of one to nine, one being close to death, and they ranked from two to four.
“It makes you feel pretty bad, because you see all these beautiful animals that are just skin and bones,” Springer said, while running her hand through a neglected horse's long mane.
Other humane association members have been dedicating their time to help out.
“It's pitiful - it's pathetic,” Kathy Good said, “that is just what this is, those are the emotions that come to the floor - deep down, it is much more.”
Good helped round up and put the horses in the stables Tuesday night and then returned at 7 a.m. to feed the animals.
“As the valley grows more cases are coming to our attention and the sheriff's attention, so it will be up to the community to tackle the cases as they come,” Dawson said, noting that it has been difficult to make the Ravalli County Attorney's Office more committed to animal neglect and abuse cases.
Dawson said the horses are now under the watchful eye of the Sheriff's Department and they have asked the public to please respect the animals' need to recover and not be bothered.
Just last week the association took in 18 cats that a renter left behind.
According to a phone poll conducted last year, residents outside of municipalities in Ravalli County have more pets than in other areas of the country based on national averages.
Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman said the matter is under investigation.
In the meantime, anyone interested in donating grass hay, funds or other services, call the association at 363-5311.
Reporter Anthony Quirini can be reached at 363-3300 or aquirini@ravallirepublic.com
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