While it’s true that some animal control cases are what you might imagine — warrants served and arrests made — there are also quieter, more cooperative cases.
Last month, we assisted Snohomish County Animal Control with a seizure of five horses, all very thin, with body condition scores ranging from 1 — 3. Their owner had fallen on hard times and been unable to adequately provide care for them, a fact he admitted to and owned. Understanding the reality of his circumstances, and the condition the horses were in, he was counseled by the officer and willingly agreed to release ownership of the five to us.
Our partnership with Animal Control ensures they know they have a place that equines in need can go, and we in turn rely on them to not only help those animals find their way into our care, but to provide resources and support to owners around the state. Not every call needs to end in a seizure, and even when they do, not every seizure has to be by force.
The five who made their way to SAFE last month were bright, and polite, from the beginning. All five allowed us to halter them, and quickly settled into their new spaces in our barn. Because of their body scores, we opted to re-feed them all to be on the safe side, which meant multiple feedings of leafy alfalfa throughout the day (and night!). Over the past two weeks they have continued to settle in, seen the vet for preliminary examinations and bloodwork, and begun to gain back some of their weight, though it will still be a while before they are looking their best. They also have new SAFE names now, which means we can introduce you to:
Centaur, the stallion (soon-to-be-gelding) of the group. A handsome 4.5 year old quarter horse with an elegant tail and, despite his full testosterone load, a kind disposition. We bet he will make an even kinder gelding!
Beau, a 15-year old Arabian gelding. This guy was in the worst physical shape of the bunch, but from day one had no problems wanting to play and roll with his friends in turnout. While we don’t typically have mixed herds at SAFE, Beau has been allowed out with his mare friends, and has been a real gentleman amongst all the ladies.
Juniper and Suki, a 12-year old quarter horse mare and her 4‑year old daughter. Suki was born to the property we pulled her from, but has done a great job of settling in at SAFE, despite being the most uncertain of the bunch. Her dam, Juniper, LOVES her alfalfa hay, and can definitely be the boss of the group.
Emi-San, an iberian mare under 10, is an independent operator, but enjoys time out with her friends as well.
As they get to feeling better and we get to know them more, their true personalities will begin to emerge, but already they have proven themselves to be curious, friendly, and certainly full of life.
Because of our annual hay drive, happening now, we are able to take in high feed need horses like these, no questions asked. All of our horses are supported by donors, but filling the bellies of these five and all the rest in our care is a direct result of the ask we make this time of year to keep our horses fed.
