REDMOND, Wash. — Neglected horses have a second chance at life following a large-scale animal cruelty bust near Yelm.
The Feb. 13 raid resulted in the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of more than 500 roosters allegedly bred for cockfighting.
Terry Phelps, Save a Forgotten Equine (SAFE) operations director, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rehabilitating horses, was present during the rescue operation.
“That’s the hard part of this, is you wish you could have gotten there earlier, sooner,” Phelps said, reflecting on the condition of the animals.
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office discovered the horses along with other neglected livestock during the bust. Though 15 horses were found alive, some were in poor condition. One horse was too injured to survive.
SAFE has taken in eight of the rescued horses. The nonprofit said they are focused on training the horses.
“We’re committed to getting our horses saddled and ridden before they are adoptable,” Phelps said.
The organization named the group of horses “Valentine’s Herd” due to their rescue occurring close to Valentine’s Day.
Animal cruelty cases have sparked discussions about legislation. In Olympia, there’s a push for a new law focusing on animal fighting. House Bill 1149 was introduced in January.
“It broadens the definition of animal fighting to include those who aid or abet such activities and it has a post-conviction ban on animal ownership,” said Rep. David Hackney of the 11th Legislative District.
As SAFE continues its mission to rehabilitate the horses from the February rescue operation, the nonprofit welcomes public support. The organization said large-scale rescues require significant resources and effort. Donations are supporting the Valentine’s Herd care and recovery.
