09/07/2005

DUNNIGAN WOMAN CHARGED WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY:

A horse reportedly infested with flies, and hooves so long they curled up forcing the animal to stand on its hind end was rescued this week. Its owner is facing possible misdemeanor or felony charges. In a joint effort by the Colusa county District Attorney's office and Colusa County Animal Control, a horse corralled in the College City area was seized and taken into protective custody earlier this week. The owner may possibly be charged with animal cruelty, permitting an animal to go without care. A crime which could be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony which is punishable by a fine of up to $20,000, imprisonment, or both. District Attorney Investigator, Pamela Craig, stated her investigation led her to interview the property owner where the horse was located, and through him determined where the owner resided in Dunnigan, California.

On September 27, Craig visited the owner and informed her, the horse would be seized the following morning. "The owner argued that she was going to take care of the horse, however, when asked  what vet she planned to taking the horse to, she could not provide an answer", recalled Craig. Colusa County Animal Control received complaints about the condition of the horse on September 14th. The complaint indicated that the horse's hooves were overly long and curling up, the horse was having difficulty in walking and was standing on its rear heels. It also had abrasions on both hips. On September 24th, a Colusa County Animal Control volunteer who is an equine RVT conducted a welfare check on the animal based on the complaint. It was documented that the horse had severe fly infestation in both eyes; its stance was on its rear legs and had difficulty in maintaining its balance. The pictures taken that day were presented to the only large animal vet in the county. In his opinion the horse has contracted tendons, chronic tendonitis and chronic laminitis. Cindy Machado, Animal Service Director/Equine Specialist with the Marin Humane Society viewed the photos via e-mail. After viewing the pictures, Machado's recommendations were the horse needed to be immediately seized from its owner. She estimated it would be a very long road to recovery and the horse would need to work with an exceptionally experienced and dedicated Ferrier, if the horse was salvageable. She also stated euthanasia should not be ruled out due to the degree of pain the horse is in and will suffer, along with the expense of rehab and the long term prognosis considering the effect of pain killers on the horse's body. Permission was granted to condense complete article originally appearing in the Colusa Sun-Herald October 1, 2004 by Kathy Craigo

UPDATE: As of October 3rd, Hope was transported to U.C. Davis, CA. for further evaluation. She is a real trooper. She has a lot of spunk and for being an unbroken horse, Hope couldn't have been more cooperative with the veterinarian and all the volunteers. She even surprised us by quietly walking out of the horse trailer on her own.  Watch for further updates as her case progresses.

UPDATE: As of October 5th, after speaking with the veterinarians at U.C. Davis, the owner gave the authorization to Euthanize "Hope".  She had severe bilateral laminitis with rotation of the coffin bones. One coffin bone having dropped so far that penetration of the sole was extremely close. "Hope" nickered as we fed her alfalfa while x-rays were taken. She whined at the other horses in the barn. She had never seen her own kind before. "Hope" had the best of care, and even though the outcome is a tragedy, she's no longer in pain. ANYONE WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE HORSE OR ITS HISTORY IS URGED TO CONTACT INVESTIGATOR PAMELA CRAIG AT THE COLUSA COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. PLEASE CALL 530-458-0588

SECOND PARTY INVOLVED CONVICTED AUGUST 31, 2005

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