Source:  Marin Humane Society Animal Services News Release

Suffering and Injured Horses Were Properly Seized
Updated: January 16, 2013

After a three-hour hearing detailing extensive animal neglect, an independent Hearing Officer has ruled that Marin Humane Society Animal Services, a division of the non-profit Marin Humane Society (MHS), was justified in the seizure of two horses from Gray Fox Farm on December 27, 2012. MHS is currently investigating wholesale mistreatment at the Chileno Valley breeding farm occupied by Jill and Alex Burnell. MHS continues to monitor the remaining horses on the property, including foals, pregnant mares, and stallions, to ensure appropriate care is provided. Earlier, a Marin County Superior Court judge had also rejected the Burnells’ request to return the horses.

This photo of Pookie taken by MHS indicates severe malnourishment.

Acting on several tips from concerned parties, Animal Services Officers visited Gray Fox Farm on December 27 to find severe neglect, injuries, and inhumane living conditions for horses, including Hanoverians and Thoroughbreds, living on the property. A badly wounded stallion known as “Romantic Star” was seized as a result of untreated serious injuries and taken to the University of California at Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for treatment. Another malnourished mare known as “Pookie” was also impounded and transported to MHS for evaluation, treatment and rehabilitative care.

Humane officers have discretionary authority to seize an animal if it is deemed that prompt action is required to protect their health or safety, or if they believe animal cruelty is being committed and a seizure is necessary. A post-seizure hearing was held on January 8, where MHS presented lengthy testimony about the dangerous and unhealthy conditions on the property, the physical appearance and suffering of the horses, and the lack of any visible means of sustenance and support for the horses. The result was a ruling on January 14 that MHS and its officers acted in the best interest of the horses and the public by stopping the ongoing suffering and taking them to safe havens to recover. The ruling also made very clear that there was an almost absolute lack of care for the horses who were taken, as well as for the horses still remaining, and that the Burnells are not in a position to properly care for the horses.

“The emaciation of the seized mare was a terrible display of chronic neglect; I shudder to think how that horse suffered while she was deteriorating to the condition she was in at the time of seizure,” says Bruce Wagman of the Schiff Hardin law firm, who is representing the Marin Humane Society. “As for the stallion, even a week later his open wounds and painful condition were plain evidence of great trauma. Also, in several trips to the property, the Officers found almost no adequate food and no adequate shelter for the horses on the property.”

On January 4, MHS Animal Services Officers seized an additional two mares known as “Nutsie” and “Blackie” from the property. Both were found to be nearly emaciated and are receiving rehabilitative care at UC Davis Large Animal Clinic.

Cost for the care of the seized horses has already surpassed $7,000 and is expected to climb. MHS is a California registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You can help with our equine response abilities and related expenses by making a donation below or providing horse-related assistance during this time of need. Anyone with information concerning this case is encouraged to contact MHS Animal Services at 415.506.6209.

Donations may be made to:

Marin Humane Society Donations

Leg-up Organization Fund Raiser Auction for Marine Humane Society

Bucas:  We pride ourselves in creating a collection of technical horse rugs and blankets to ensure that your horse is suitably dressed no matter what the weather.