Animals

Neglected Horses to Live Out Their Lives at Local Sanctuary

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Three severely neglected horses that County Animal Services officers rescued last week during an investigation in Spring Valley will get a nurturing new home today.

The horses are being adopted by the Horses of Tir Na Nog, a private nonprofit organization in East County dedicated to the care of horses.

“We are extremely grateful that Horses of Tir Na Nog has agreed to care for these horses,” 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. The grey mare has an abscessed shoulder wound that had gone untreated before the rescue. 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.

Animal Services seized the horses last week after a concerned citizen’s complaint led animal control officers to a Spring Valley stable where they were housed. 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.

Securing a good home for the animals has been a top priority.

“Our immediate concern is to get these horses into a facility that can provide the care that they will require for the rest of their lives, and the Horses of Tir Na Nog is the ideal place.” Director Danielson added.

Horses of Tir Na Nog director Amy Pat Rigney was scheduled to pick up the horses Friday, October 14, at the County animal shelter in Bonita. For more information about the County Department of Animal Services, visit sddac.com. For information about Horses of Tir Na Nog, visit horsesoftirnanog.org.