Source:  News Release

The Humane Society of the United States and Local Welfare Groups Come to the Aid of Nearly 100 Horses Seized by Wyoming Livestock Board

The Humane Society of the United States, Front Range Equine Rescue and Denkai Animal Sanctuary are assisting the Wyoming Livestock Board with the care and placement of nearly 100 horses seized from a Lincoln County property. The Wyoming Livestock Board and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department removed the animals from the property following an ongoing criminal investigation into allegations of neglect. When officials arrived on the Fairview property in late May they reportedly found nearly 100 horses, including some dead horses and others whose medical conditions were so severe they were humanely euthanized. The Wyoming Livestock Board then transported the remaining horses to the Cheyenne Stockyards, where they have been receiving rehabilitative care under the supervision of the state veterinarian. According to veterinarians on the scene, most were in poor health and showing signs of neglect. Many of the animals were extremely emaciated and suffering from a variety of medical ailments including overgrown, infected hooves, open wounds and parasite infestation.

The Wyoming Livestock Board and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department initiated this case. When the owner failed to post bond, the animals became custody of the state. The horses are being held at the Cheyenne Stockyards for temporary shelter. All of the horses are being checked by a team of veterinarians and given any necessary immediate medical care. The rescued horses are in the custody of the Wyoming Livestock Board and will be cared for by The HSUS in conjunction with local rescue groups until suitable adoptive homes can be found.

“The Humane Society of the United States is proud to be able to come to the aid of these animals. These horses deserve better. There's no excuse for starving or neglecting an animal. It is the responsibility of every horse owner to provide humane, responsible care for their horses at all stages of their life. We are grateful to the Wyoming Livestock Board and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department for taking action to save these horses." – Heidi Hopkins, Wyoming state director for The HSUS.

“We are currently working with The Humane Society of the United States to find homes for these horses. This has allowed us to ensure these horses continue to receive all the needed nutrition, care, and medical treatment for recovery.”-- Jimmy Dean Siler, Wyoming Livestock Board.

“Front Range Equine Rescue is pleased to help with the safe rehabilitation and placement of these horses. We work closely with many animal control agencies in Colorado and are happy to assist the Wyoming Livestock Board with this effort. Too many horses fall into the hands of irresponsible or ignorant owners. It is our hope that cruelty laws will be fully enforced to serve as a deterrent to more situations such as this one.” – Hilary Wood, President/Founder of Front Range Equine Rescue

Horse owners who can no longer care for their horses have many humane options available to them:

Sell the horse to a properly vetted, private owner
Lease the horse to another horse enthusiast
Donate the horse to a therapeutic riding center, park police unit or similar program
Relinquish the horse to a horse rescue or sanctuary
Consider humane euthanasia
If interested in adopting a horse please contact the Wyoming Livestock Board for an application 307-777-6441 or contact Heidi Hopkins at 240-477-2863.Donations for the care of the animals can be directed to: The Humane Society of the United States, Attn: Heidi Hopkins 7727 Hawthorne Dr, Cheyenne WY 82009.