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Severely Emaciated Horses Find Refuge at the HSVC
As of Thursday, November 1st, a total of 6 horses, including one miniature horse, have been rescued from a location here in Ventura County. Senior Humane Officer Vail and Humane Officer Winwood of the Humane Society of Ventura County recently responded to a neglect case where they discovered severely emaciated horses that were in need of immediate care. The horses were extremely malnourished and 4 out of 6 registered as a “one” on the Henneke Body Condition Scoring System.
Veterinary Assistant Christina Malleck and Equine Specialist Christie Tracy bathe the horses upon arrival at the shelter.
The horses were quickly transported to the shelter where Equine Specialist Christie Tracy and Veterinary Assistant Christina Malleck were preparing for their immediate care. Farrier Stacy Hyatt and her assistant Jay helped to evaluate, treat, and trim the hooves of the horses. Since they arrived, the horses have already made drastic improvements here at the shelter where they are being continuously cared for by Shelter staff under the supervision of Marta Granstedt, DVM and Kevin Smith, DVM. “There is no excuse for the amount of neglect these animals suffered,” said Jolene Hoffman, Shelter Director for the Humane Society of Ventura County, “But under our care, they will have the daily attention needed to bring them back to health.”
Farrier Stacy Hyatt and her assistant Jay evaluated, treated, and trimmed the hooves of all four horses.
Humane Society of Ventura County Equine Specialist Christie Tracy commented, “A whole lot of love and proper feeding goes a long way”. She notes that the horses are relieved to be here and that they are adjusting to their new surroundings. “The baby is doing great, she is happy to be able to run around and lay out in the sun." After daily bathing, ample water, and a proper diet, the most evident change is in the appearance of their coats. Tracy continues, “Caring for these animals who have endured so much at their previous home, knowing that they are getting the best care here, is the most rewarding part of my job.”
Horses arriving at the shelter after being rescued in the field by Humane Officers Vail and Winwood.
Special thanks to Katie Cook with the Little Farm in Ojai for her support in the care of the horses and everyone who has helped the HSVC care for these brave horses. Care for a horse under normal circumstances is very costly for the Shelter, with horses in need of special attention, diet, and care those numbers can go up exponentially. We estimate It will cost the HSVC over $150 for the daily care of these horses, not including veterinarian or farrier services and we are asking our supporters to help cover the cost. As a private nonprofit, the HSVC relies 100% on the generosity of individual donors, trusts and grants. Thank you for your consideration in helping support the shelter care for these brave animals!
The HSVC has also updated its Amazon Wishlist with items in immediate need to support these horses. You can find the link here: HSVC AMAZON WISH LIST
Farrier assistant Jay comforting a horse while caring for its hooves.
The Humane Society of Ventura County is a compassionate care shelter and nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and adoption of homeless animals throughout Ventura County. Our shelter and adoption center is located at 402 Bryant Street. Ojai, CA 93023. We can be reached by phone at 805-646-6505 or on the web at www.hsvc.org.
Nonprofit ID: 95-2272598
