Fifty-seven Malnourished Horses Removed from Neglectful Owner

Colorado Humane Society & S.P.C.A., and Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center™ assisted the Park County Sheriff’s Office with the removal of 57 neglected horses, including several pregnant mares, from three different locations near Hartsel, Colorado on February 21.

Malnourished and severely underweight, the horses were in imminent danger and immediate action was necessary. In addition to the rescued horses, several deceased horses were also discovered on the property.

Upon arriving at the Harmony Equine Center, the horses were evaluated to assess medical and behavioral needs. In addition to warm shelter, veterinary care and nourishing feed, the horses may require months of physical rehabilitation and professional training before they are healthy and ready to be adopted to loving owners.
During their short stay at Harmony, many of the horses have gained more than 60 pounds. Some of the horses are progressing at a slower pace and will be monitored for other potential issues. Harmony staff remains optimistic that the foals have a chance to be born healthy.
The Park County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that the owner of the malnourished horses has been charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty and received his summons. No animals have been euthanized, nor have any died since the Park County Sheriff’s Office became involved on February 21 and began removing the horses.

Anyone wishing to help provide care to these horses can visit harmonyequinecenter.org or call 303.751.5772.