Horse neglect, two dead
Caldwell, ID (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Feb 19, 2008
County: Canyon

Disposition: Not Charged

Abuser names unreleased

Two horses have died on a Caldwell ranch in what neighbors are calling a case of animal cruelty.

But the horse's owner says their condition is not her fault.

In about a month's time, two horses have died at a house on Hollow Road in Caldwell. The animals passing, as well as their physical condition, concerned neighbors so much they called Canyon County Animal Control.

"I've seen them up close. You can tell with their hipbones. They're starting to show really bad. There is no meat on their back. Their ribs are showing and they're just really weak," said Janel Borghero, a neighbor.

But after two inspections by authorities, the horse's owners are speaking out, saying the deaths aren't their fault.

"We had gotten some animals from an auction -- the Blazers -- and we had some trouble with them gaining weight but they're gaining weight and everything," said Kathy Hankins, the horses' owner.

Hankins says she is actually nursing the horses back to health. She says the first animal that died was extremely old and the second had an equine illness known as strangles.

A third horse on their property, which is also raising concern, was extremely thin when they got it, according to Hankins.

"They said if they weren't receiving good care they would have taken them today and they didn't," she said.

The neighbor who made the original call says of the numerous animals she owns, Hankins only got three horses at the auction and still blames her for the animal's condition.

Canyon County Animal Control says since the case in an ongoing investigation they can't comment on it.

For leaders of the Ada County Animal Shelter this case, no matter who's fault the horse's condition is, it's just a symptom of a much larger problem.

"Recently within the last month, I'm aware of numerous cases like this all over," said Pat Vance, the director of animal shelter operations.

This year the cost of hay has gone up significantly and there are people who can no longer afford to feed their animals.

"Unfortunately there are several big herds of horses in eastern Idaho the authorities are watching and here there are several, generally in the outlying counties is where this is happening," said Vance.

The Ada County Humane Society says donations of extra hay and equine vitamins from the community would be greatly appreciated right now.

For more information on reporting animal cruelty or donating supplies contact the shelter a (208) 342-3508, Ext. 231.

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