Horse neglect - 5 seized
Enderby, BC (CA)Incident Date: Monday, May 7, 2007
Disposition: Alleged
Abuser names unreleased
BC SPCA animal cruelty officers have seized five horses from a property in Enderby, north of Vernon. The horses - four mares and one stallion - were extremely malnourished, infested with parasites and were suffering from badly overgrown hooves. Lead investigator Bonni Price says the animals were seized after the owner failed to follow orders issued by the SPCA to provide proper nutrition, shelter, potable drinking water and veterinary care. "The area where the horses were kept was also deplorable, with garbage, wire, twine and chains scattered throughout the field," says Price. "The horses were becoming entangled in these objects as they tried to walk and run."
Marcie Moriarty, General Manager of Cruelty Investigations for the BC SPCA, says one of the mares will also require surgery for an old eye injury. "Her top eyelid has been torn part way down and she cannot close her eye to protect it from debris so it is very uncomfortable for her." Moriarty says the SPCA would be grateful for any donations to help cover the cost of the surgery.
The horses are now in SPCA care and are receiving on-going veterinary and grooming care. The BC SPCA investigation continues and charges are pending in the case. If charged and convicted, the owner of the horses faces a maximum fine of $2,000, up to six months in jail and a prohibition on owning animals for a period determined by a judge. References
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