MORTON, Wash. - Lewis County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Lewis County Public Health and Social Services Code/Animal Enforcement seized nine horses suffering from severe malnutrition and dehydration, Friday afternoon, September 28, 2012, in the 800 block of State Route 7, Morton. One horse had to be euthanized by lethal injection by a veterinarian on scene after the veterinarian diagnosed the horse as suffering due to being in such poor condition, and advanced age. The horses on the property ranged from a foal to a 15 year old mare. Friday’s events were a result of an investigation after reports were made of animal neglect to several horses on the property. The Sheriff’s Office and Code Enforcement contacted the owners and provided education in an effort to allow the owners the chance to bring the horses back to a healthy condition. The owners of the horses were asked to have a veterinarian consulted for assessment and guidance.
After the owners failed to follow through with the requests to obtain veterinarian care for the horses and bring them back to a healthy condition, Lewis County officials stepped in and took action last Friday, after obtaining a search warrant to seize the animals. The owners were cooperative and were in agreement that the animals needed care. They also followed the veterinarian’s recommendation that one of the horses be euthanized. The seized horses were transported to various animal rescue groups where they will receive treatment and care, in hopes of a full recovery. The following Animal Rescue Groups and Agencies assisted in the removal and fostering of the horses: Dwelly Farm, Hope for Horses, Pasados Safe Haven, Good Life Stables, Hooved Animal Rescue of Thurston County, and Lewis County Animal Shelter. Donations of feed and grain are needed for the horses care and can be donated to the Lewis County Animal Shelter. Terry, 58, and Joanne, 65, Simmons of Morton are being referred to the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office for Animal Cruelty 1st degree.
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