Addison County Cruelty Team's Rapid Response
Saves Life of Starving Horse
Middlebury, VT - On November 8, 2006, ACHS Executive Director, Jill Tucker,
accompanied 3 state troopers, 2 veterinarians, and the Humane Investigator
from Humane Society of Chittenden County (HSCC) on the execution of a search
warrant in the town of Starksboro. The scene is what Jill Tucker describes
as "the worst case of animal cruelty I have ever personally witnessed." The
horse standing in the pasture was clearly starving; his ribs, spine, and hip
bones protruding drastically. "There is no excuse for this kind of neglect,"
explains Tucker. "This is tragic, preventable, and illegal. Vermont law requires
that horses are provided adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care."
Adding to the horse's discomfort was a mane, tail, and forelock, heavily
weighed down with burdocks.
Barney on the day of rescue
Unbelievably, this horse was the lucky one. Sadly, it was too late for the
other horse that was lying dead in the pasture only 30 feet away. Markings
on the ground around the dead horse indicated he had been alive for some time,
struggling to get up. His body was emaciated.
The live horse, whom ACHS later named "Barney," seemed to know all of these
people in his pasture had come to help him. He gently rested his head in the
caring arms of Dr. Keely Henderson as she evaluated his physical condition
and the environment in which he was living. Based on Dr. Henderson's
recommendation, the state police made the decision to seize the animal and
place him in the care of the Addison County Humane Society.
Eating roughly 2 bales of hay per day, special horse feed and consuming 20
pounds of salt his first week, Barney started to look brighter and more
alive. Now, after over 11 weeks in foster care, Barney has gained over
100 pounds and looks like a different horse.
Animal cruelty and neglect cases like this are heartbreaking and can be
prevented by as little as an anonymous call to the authorities. Tucker
explains, "It is critically important for members of the public to understand
that it is their duty to notify the authorities, whether it be their local
humane society or police, when they see an animal in distress. All calls
can be anonymous. If you have a concern, make the call and let professionals
assess the situation. Often, owner education is enough to stop the suffering
of animals."
Barney now
"Caring members of the public are our foot soldiers in the fight against
cruelty and really do serve as a voice for the animals when they file a complaint."
This particular investigation started with an anonymous call to the Humane
Society of Chittenden County. Holly Godfrey, HSCC's Humane Investigator,
made the initial investigation and promptly alerted ACHS upon realizing
that the location was actually within the boundaries of Addison County.
Trooper Julie Scribner, Addison County State's Attorney John Quinn, and Dr.
Keely Henderson moved very quickly to obtain the warrant and execute the
search. Dr. Matt Quinn also provided assistance during the search evaluating
two dogs that were on the property, who were, thankfully, in good health.
"I am impressed with and profoundly grateful for the fast response of our team"
said Tucker.
"Humane investigations have a high price tag, first and foremost the suffering
that is endured by these animals day after day. When they are rescued, there
are costs associated with everything ranging from veterinary and feed bills,
to staff time and legal fees," explains Tucker. "Humane organizations like
ACHS cannot anticipate these cases and the costs we will incur in any given year."
If you would like to help, please send a donation to help cover the costs of
caring for Barney as well as the other victims of cruelty and neglect. Mail
your donation to Addison County Humane Society, 236 Boardman Street,
Middlebury, VT 05753 or donate online at www.addisonhumane.org.
If you witness animal cruelty or neglect in Addison County, please call 388-1100
to file a complaint. For animals in need outside of Addison County,
please contact your local animal shelter or police.
ACHS is now seeking a permanent home for this special animal. "Barney has suffered so much,
in so many ways, and he deserves a home where he will receive the kind care,
attention, and companionship to keep him happy for the rest of his days" says
Tucker. Barney is approximately 22 years old and is a 16.1hand,
Belgian/Morgan cross gelding.
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