Horses’ owner may be charged with animal cruelty
By Herald Staff
Published Oct 4 2013
Atticus, three weeks after being rescued.
SNOHOMISH — Police here are recommending animal cruelty charges against the owner of two horses that apparently were so poorly cared for that one had to be euthanized.
The case was investigated in August and September, Snohomish Police Chief John Flood said Thursday. The owner initially was given a chance to improve care, but when it became clear there was insufficient improvement, steps were taken to place the animals with Save a Forgotten Equine, a nonprofit rescue organization, Flood said.
A veterinarian determined the horses were suffering from malnutrition and one was euthanized because of significant damage, Flood said. “The second horse is being cared for by SAFE and is showing signs of improvement,” he said. The results of the police investigation have been sent to prosecutors for review.
The cost of the horses’ care has been borne by the rescue group. So far, the organization has incurred more than $2,000 in expenses, Flood said.
The police chief said donations can be made directly to SAFE at https://www.safehorses.org or in care of the Snohomish Police Department, 230 Maple Ave. Feed donations or purchases also can be made at Snohomish Co-op, 168 Lincoln Ave.
