NEGLECTED HORSES TO LIVE OUT THEIR LIVES AT LOCAL SANCTUARY

 Horses of Tir Na Nog adopted three emaciated horses

October 15, 2011 (Spring Valley) --Three severely neglected horses that County Animal Services officers rescued last week during an investigation in Spring Valley have been moved to a nurturing new home.

The horses were adopted by the Horses of Tir Na Nog, a private nonprofit organization in East County dedicated to the care of horses.

“We are extremely grateful that Horses of Tir Na Nog has agreed to care for these horses,” said Dawn Danielson, Director of the County Department of Animal Services. “As an organization that relies strictly on donations, they are making a significant commitment to these horses and their well-being.”

The horses, a 13-year-old grey mare, a 16-year-old bay mare and an 18-year-old chestnut mare, are all extremely emaciated. The grey mare has an abscessed shoulder wound that had gone untreated before the rescue. The bay mare is about 8 to 10 months pregnant, and it is unknown if lack of proper care and nutrition will harm the pregnancy.

Animal Services seized the horses last week after a concerned citizen’s complaint led animal control officers to a Spring Valley stable where they were housed. The department is investigating who owned the horses and determining whether there is enough evidence to refer the case to the District Attorney for prosecution.

Securing a good home for the animals has been a top priority.

“Our immediate concern is to get these horses into a facility that can provide the care that they will require for the rest of their lives, and the Horses of Tir Na Nog is the ideal place.” Director Danielson added.

Horses of Tir Na Nog director Amy Pat Rigney picked up the horses on Friday, October 14, at the County animal shelter at 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita.

For more information about the County Department of Animal Services, visit www.sddac.com. For information about Horses of Tir Na Nog, visit www.horsesoftirnanog.org.