BONITA, Calif. - Three severely malnourishedhorses that County Animal Services officers rescued last week during an investigation in Spring Valley were taken into a horse rescue shelter, Friday.
Horses of Tir Na Nog, a private nonprofit organization in East County, took in the threehorses.
“We are extremely grateful that Horses of Tir Na Nog has agreed to care for thesehorses,” said Dawn Danielson, Director of the County Department of Animal Services. “As an organization that relies strictly on donations, they are making a significant commitment to these horses and their well-being.”
The horses, a 13-year-old grey mare, a 16-year-old bay mare and an 18-year-old chestnut mare, are all extremely emaciated.
"Just literally skin and bones," said Amy Pat Rigney, director of Horses of Tir Na Nog. "You shouldn't see these angles, hip bones that look like they want to break through the skin. That's not what a healthy horse looks like."
The department is investigating who owned the horses and determining whether there is enough evidence to refer the case to the District Attorney for prosecution.
Animal services said the bay mare is about 8 to 10 months pregnant, and it is unknown if lack of proper care and nutrition will harm the pregnancy.
The grey mare had an untreated wound on her shoulder that had to be drained with plastic tubes.
"The shoulder was filled with pus and we're still trying to drain the last of it," Rigney said.
More information about the horse rescue can be found by going to their website.
http://www.horsesoftirnanog.org/
Horses of Tir Na Nog, a private nonprofit organization in East County, took in the threehorses.
“We are extremely grateful that Horses of Tir Na Nog has agreed to care for thesehorses,” said Dawn Danielson, Director of the County Department of Animal Services. “As an organization that relies strictly on donations, they are making a significant commitment to these horses and their well-being.”
The horses, a 13-year-old grey mare, a 16-year-old bay mare and an 18-year-old chestnut mare, are all extremely emaciated.
"Just literally skin and bones," said Amy Pat Rigney, director of Horses of Tir Na Nog. "You shouldn't see these angles, hip bones that look like they want to break through the skin. That's not what a healthy horse looks like."
The department is investigating who owned the horses and determining whether there is enough evidence to refer the case to the District Attorney for prosecution.
Animal services said the bay mare is about 8 to 10 months pregnant, and it is unknown if lack of proper care and nutrition will harm the pregnancy.
The grey mare had an untreated wound on her shoulder that had to be drained with plastic tubes.
"The shoulder was filled with pus and we're still trying to drain the last of it," Rigney said.
More information about the horse rescue can be found by going to their website.
http://www.horsesoftirnanog.org/
