Authorities are investigating two cases of possible animal cruelty in Aransas County. One horse was put to sleep because of an eye injury. A second horse that appeared to be neglected was seized December 13, 2005. The owner of the horses could face some legal troubles.
Stormy is a seven-year old horse that was rescued from a field outside of Rockport. The Aransas County Sheriff's office along with the Blue Bonnet Equine Humane Society worked together to facilitate the rescue after monitoring Stormy's condition.
"His coat is in deplorable condition. It can be easily taken care of with just some food. We're hoping that this is an example for people to know that animal cruelty is not going to be tolerated," said Cheryl Martinez.
The Aransas County Sheriff's Department decided to move on the case after seeing the condition of another horse. The owner was given the option to work with the rescue team, or send it to a vet to care for that horse. After talking to the vet the owner decided to put the horse down. But the sheriff and the rescue team are not convinced that was necessary.
"Very mad...disgusted with people that they don't care. They're just an animal. They didn't ask to be put here," said Shirley West. West said both horses were put in a field where there was little to sustain them. "They had no grass. All they had was trees. No water of any type that we could see. No shelter of any type. No grain. There was just nothing at all for them to eat."
The possible case of animal cruelty and neglect now goes to the Aransas County Attorney's Office where a decision will be made on whether to file any charges against the horse's owner. Meanwhile, the Blue Bonnet Equine Humane Society is optimistic about the progress of another horse it rescued.
The group picked up Lucy about a month ago, after she was found wandering in a field with a broken nose. Rescuers believe she may have been injured by other horses. When she was found, she was so hungry, she was eating tree bark.
"When she first came, she kept her head in the feed bowl for two weeks. We never saw her face. She was that hungry," said Dottie Clower. She said Lucy is now doing well and should make a complete recovery.
Case UpdatesDaniel Whitstine owned Hope who has since been euthanized because of a severely infected eye. Also in Whitstine's care is a horse named Stormy. Whitstine was in court this morning, December 20th, 2005, over the fate of Stormy. Unlike Hope, he is still alive, and a judge's ruling said Stormy will not go back to the owner because of evidence that the horses were not being fed and cared for properly. However the owner maintains he loves his animals and was trying to get them back into shape until his neighbors butted in. Whitstine said, "These people are minding everybody's business but their own. They don't know what's going on. They just see a horse and think I'm neglecting it without coming to me and asking me any questions. I can't tolerate people like that."
Aransas County sheriff deputies are investigating Daniel Whitstine for possible animal cruelty. During the hearing experts submitted written testimony explaining both horses' condition when they were found. Justice of the Peace Charlotte Griffin said, "Testimony today shows that at least two horses on the property were malnourished and one was not properly care for to the point she lost an eye." The Portland judge made the decision after officials gave gruesome testimony that Hope's eye was so bad. A veterinarian submitted written testimony stating maggots were reportedly found inside the eye socket. The doctor stated both Hope and Stormy, who is still alive appeared to be severely malnourished. He referenced a body condition scale to describe the horse's weight. Ideal weight for a horse should be a five. One is severely thin and poor. Nine is extremely over weight. Stormy measured one, the lowest possible score on the scale. Hope with the infected eye scored just slightly better with a two.
Whitstine had this to say, "I just wish they would have came and live my life and watch me treat my animals instead of heresay." He also said he was working to get Stormy and Hope in better shape. He also points to the nine other horses in his care that appear to be doing well.
If found guilty Whitstine could face a fine and jail time. As for Stormy, he's being housed at a horse rescue. We're told Stormy has a big appetite and will eventually be put up for adoption. | Source: KRIS News - December 20, 2005
Update posted on Dec 20, 2005 - 9:58PM |
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