Support the Valentine Herd

Two weeks ago, news broke that law enforcement agencies in Thurston County had seized hundreds of roosters bred for fighting from a property in Yelm. It was also reported that a number of other farm animals, including horses, cows, and goats, had been removed from the property at the same time. Although we couldn’t make it public when it happened, SAFE was one of the rescue organizations that held a number of these horses for Thurston County while the courts sorted out the legal side of the case. On Saturday, we learned that the matter had been resolved, and that the owners of the animals did not post bond or petition the court for their return.

Four local rescue organizations came together to help these farm animals. On point for the operation was Hooved Animal Rescue of Thurston County (HAROTC) who worked directly with the county to coordinate the removal of the horses, cows, and goats. These animals were all signed over to HAROTC this past weekend. There were 15 horses alive on the property. SAFE housed five of them during the holding period, while the rest were moved to foster homes out of the area by HAROTC. In addition to the horses, there were six cows taken in by HAROTC, and 18 goats – many pregnant – nine of which have been placed with New Moon Farm Sanctuary and rest remaining with HAROTC.

Once the animals were signed over to HAROTC by Thurston County, decisions could be made about their futures and switcheroos were made. Three of the horses were not able to be saved due to untreated injuries and other physical issues. SAFE has taken ownership of seven of the original horses, plus the little black colt born during the hold period. HAROTC will be keeping two pregnant mares, with plans for SAFE to take the foals after they’re weaned. And two non-pregnant females were taken by Sound Equine Options (SEO). Two of the mares at SAFE may be pregnant so along with the two that will be born at HAROTC, we may be taking on as many as four foals in the future. There are also several baby goats on the way too. This means the cost of caring for these animals will be shouldered by these four rescue organizations for months if not years to come.

SAFE estimates that the average monthly cost to care for one rescued horse is about $750 per month. Of course, this amount varies based on age, condition, and specific needs. All of the horses that SAFE has taken on will need training at some point before they can be adopted, so that adds more cost. The average monthly cost to care for one pregnant goat is about $150. That’s about $12,500 per month to care for all of these animals, and it’s coming straight out of the pockets of the rescues involved. And this amount will increase as babies are born.

So we are asking for your support for the horses, goats, and cows that make up what we’ve dubbed the Valentine Herd (since they were seized right before Valentine’s Day). These incredible souls survived hell on earth at their former home, and they have bright, happy futures ahead of them. But they have a long road to travel that will include vet and farrier care, training, and hay and grain to restore them to good health. To make these easier on those who would like to chip in to help, we’ve set up a single fund for tax deductible donations that will be divided between the four rescues – HAROTC, SAFE, SEO, and New Moon – based on the number of animals they’ve taken on. Rescuing these animals was and will continue to be a huge undertaking, so if you want to be part of these efforts, your donations will be hugely appreciated!

Donations can be made here on the SAFE website or by mail to SAFE, PO Box 2769, Redmond WA 98073.

As mentioned above, we will track all donations made and divide them equitably between SAFE, HAROTC, SEO, and New Moon.