“The horses in question were moved to an undisclosed location in Park County Sunday afternoon,” said a Feb. 19 press release from the Sheriff’s Office. “The Sheriff’s Office felt this was necessary to avoid any complications that could arise and [ensure] the safety of everyone involved.”
Park County Undersheriff Monte Gore told The Flume on Feb. 20 that the horses were moved after the Sheriff’s Office received comments from some members of the public indicating that they would go get the horses themselves.
“There were some statements that were concerning,” he said.
The Park County Sheriff’s Office is in the middle of an investigation into a number of sickly looking horses found on the ranch. The investigation began after the Park County Sheriff’s Office received a tip from the Routt County Sheriff’s Office concerning the condition of the horses. Routt County was working with a Conifer-based horse rescue to take possession of a young horse that was at the ranch.
It was during that repossession that other sickly horses were discovered.
Gore said no determination has been made as to why some of the horses were in their current condition.
“At present we do not know if their condition is due to an illness of some kind, neglect, or a combination of both,” he said.
Gore said it was possible that some of the horses were infected with botulism, a serious condition caused by toxins from bacteria.
“If something has botulism, their muscles don’t work, so they can’t eat and they can’t function,” he said.
He said a forensic investigation is under way to determine the cause of the animals’ condition, and an investigation is also under way to determine what medical treatment the owner of the animals sought.
Gore also said the owner of the horses has many horses on the ranch that were in perfect health.
“Ron Swift, the owner of the horses, has been cooperative with our investigation,” said the press release.
Swift couldn’t be reached for comment.
The Park County Sheriff’s Office is working with Colorado State University, local veterinarians, and the Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office to “determine the cause of the [horses’] severe medical condition,” said the Feb. 19 press release.
Barbara Wright, co-founder and chief executive officer of Harmony Horseworks, a Conifer-based horse sanctuary, said a horse that was seized by Routt County deputies and transported to her organization was doing much better since it was seized.
The horse, nicknamed Little Big Man, was in dire condition when it was brought to Harmony Horseworks, she said.
Had the authorities not intervened when they had, said Wright, Little Big Man would have died.
Even after the animal had been seized, there was some concern that it wouldn’t survive.
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| This horse was taken from the Echo Valley Ranch in Bailey by Routt County Animal Control officers after it was discovered in a poor body condition. |
“Definitely, there was a question,” she said.
The 2-year-old horse was 300 pounds when it came under the care of Harmony Horseworks’ veterinarian. A horse that age should be between 700 pounds and 750 pounds, Wright said.
She said the horse was doing very well recently.
“As of yesterday, it was very good, which shows you the ability of the horse to bounce back,” she said.
Since it’s been seized, the horse has shown a good appetite, and improving health.
Wright sad her veterinarian ruled out botulism as the cause of the horse’s problems.
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| The horse now known as Spencer, seized from the Echo Valley Ranch in Bailey, is in much better condition, said its current owner, Eugene Ferraro. This photo was taken in June 2012. |
Wright said she doubted that the animals at the Echo Valley Ranch could be suffering from botulism, which she said is fatal to horses unless they are treated rapidly.
When asked what it could be, Wright said she wasn’t sure.
“We do not know; however we do believe the authorities are doing what they can do, and they are doing the right thing,” she said.
(The Flume - Feb 24, 2012)
A local jury throws out a case more worried about the ego of the property owner rather than the immediate needs of sick horses using a vague toxic weed excuse. These horses were in need of immediate vet care and couldn't wait a month. In this smoke screen of excuses, we see good people who care about animals are called "activists". The word "activist" is used as an epithet to minimize a legitimate concern normal people has about an animal. “Activists” founded our country and good things in our country start with people saying we need change. So does wanting a horse taken care of make you and an "activist"? This quote is great from Park County Undersheriff Monte Gore “I’m proud of the hard work performed by our code enforcement officers”, Gore said. “Probable cause was found, and the case went to court. We were all disappointed with the outcome of this case; however, we will always ‘do the right thing.’ We will never shirk our responsibilities because of the threat of a lawsuit.” This man has integrity and stands up for what is right. And that is all any of us can do!
ReplyDeleteDon't forget the severely suck ones where owned by Mr Hartley who never paid his vet bills. Nor did he pay for his hay
ReplyDeleteMe Hately still lives on ranch later was involved with death of 17 yr old.
ReplyDeleteStill owes the vets.