Thirty horses, including multiple pregnant or nursing mares, have been seized during the course of an animal welfare investigation in Riverbank, Calif., reports The Modesto Bee. Authorities have not released the name of the individual alleged to be in charge of a breeding operation at the property, and it is believed that two or more of the animals may be stolen.
“I can tell you the animals were in very poor condition,” Annette Bedsworth, executive director of Stanislaus County Animal Services, told modbee.com. “This was unnecessary. It did not need to happen.”
The horses are all receiving veterinary care from Sweet River Equine Clinic.
A GoFundMe page gives unconfirmed account of the investigation and alleges that there may be up to 50 additional horses at other properties.
All 30 horses went to the Oakdale Equine Rescue, which is fostering the animals until the investigation and legal action is complete. The rescue asks that individuals with inquiries about lost/stolen/leased horses by sending an email to oakdaleequinerescue@gmail.com including: full name, address, and phone number; detailed information as to how the horse came up missing, stolen or leased and to whom they were leased to as well as that location; and a list of concerns and pictures, registration papers, microchip registration, tattoo or freeze brand or any identifying scars or marks.
Donations for the horses' care may be made directly to Oakdale Equine Rescue or Sweet River Equine Clinic.
Read more at modbee.com.
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