| Horses’ lives hang in the balance after suspected neglect |
By: Sabrina Bates, News Editor
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Posted: Friday, October 23, 2009 2:04 pm
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This horse suffers from apparent malnourishment and according to the Native Way Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the horse will die without proper vet care and nutrition.
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The Native Way Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has issued a plea for help from the Weakley County Sheriff’s Department after receiving a weekend phone call about five horses in Greenfield displaying signs of neglect.
Josh Pool, NWSPCA animal health and welfare officer, said his office has received several phone calls regarding the horses that were allegedly dumped behind a relative’s home outside of Greenfield.
With only a field of weeds to graze from and a mud puddle serving as a water source, Pool noted the poor conditions of the animals will worsen if proper treatment is not received for the horses.
“We are trying to find the owner now and we have to get him in front of the judge. I have several questions that need to be answered by him. We’re going to take care of it regardless of what needs to be done,” WCSD Chief Dep. Mark Black said on Wednesday.
Black and Pool said the information they received indicates Justin McMakin is the owner of the animals, but no one has been able to make contact with him for questioning.
“Our goal is to get these guys out of there before its too late,” NWSPCA director Pauleen Pool commented. Of the five horses, two are reportedly malnourished with infections under their chins from a poorly fit halter.
A Palomino Quarter Horse Mix was noted in Pool’s report to deliver a foal “any day.” Pool said the foal is in danger of being still born without the mother receiving proper nutrition.
While a stud horse reportedly on the property appeared in decent condition, the Pools said they fear he will continue to keep the other horses from eating what food the couple can provide to the animals.
“We have contacted a foster home for the horses. We are now just waiting on the owner to be picked up and a judge to order him to pay for the vetting and treatment of the animals,” Pauleen Pool added.
According to the NWSPCA, the horses had not received food in at least seven days after being taken to a location outside of Greenfield.
If an owner is taken into custody and ordered to pay for the vetting of the animals, the NWSPCA can then seize the horses at a judge’s request. |
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