AMBOY, Wash. – Two horses that had nearly starved to death were seized from a property in Amboy last month in what officials described as one of the worst cases they’d ever seen.
The mare named Star and gelding named Mister had bones protruding, injuries and were covered with cockleburs.
“This was an emergency rescue, where one of the horses was so bad off he needed to be put down,” said Paul Scarpelli, Manager of Clark County Animal Control.
Scarpelli said this was not the first time the owner of the horses had been cited for animal neglect.
Darcie Canoy, with the Adopt-a-Horse Program, helped take Star and Mister off the property.
“The Thoroughbred gelding’s condition was one of the worst cases I have seen,” she said. “When I loaded him in the trailer and he got scared, he was so weak his back end just gave out and we had to assist him back up.”
A veterinarian assessed the two horses and determined that it would be best to euthanize Mister. Star had to be sedated because the pair was so attached.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Canoy said. “Star’s reaction to seeing her friend touched me to the point I still cry thinking about the look on her face when she sniffed him. A change came over her eyes and she quieted. She sniffed him three times and then sighed and left his side. I wish the people who had these horses could understand the grief they caused.”
Star was moved to a temporary foster home where she will receive special care until a permanent home can be found.
She is all black, has a great disposition, is easy to catch and lead and loves affection. Her age was estimated to be around 18-20.
The Adopt-a-Horse Program also needs and welcomes financial and in-kind donations including hay, feed, or tack for resale.
Anyone interested in adopting Star or another horse through the Adopt-a-Horse Program, or making a donation can contact any of these program coordinators:
- Darcie Canoy 1-360-601-3390
- Lori Harris 1-360-798-3515
- Pat Brown 1-360-666-7978
Courtesy KGW.com
