Neglected Horses Kept At Stable In Spring Valley Get a New Home

A trio of severely neglected horses, who were previously housed at a stable in Spring Valley, are being adopted by the Horses of Tir Na Nog, a private nonprofit organization, it was announced Friday.

The animals were rescued last week, after authorities were tipped off by a neighbor about possible neglect at the stable. After finding the horses were extremely emaciated, County Animal Services removed the horses from the property. An investigation into who owned the horses is currently ongoing, and after its completeion, authorities will determine whether there is enough evidence to refer the case the the District Attorney for prosecution.

A spokesperson for the county told Mount Helix Patch that the location and name of the stable is being withheld, pending the completion of the investigation.

The horses are a 13-year-old grey mare, a 16-year-old bay mare and an 18-year-old chestnut mare. The grey mare has an abscessed shoulder wound that had gone untreated before the rescue. The bay mare is about 8 to 10 months pregnant, and it is unknown if lack of proper care and nutrition will harm the pregnancy.

“We are extremely grateful that Horses of Tir Na Nog has agreed to care for these horses,” said Dawn Danielson, director of the County Department of Animal Services. “As an organization that relies strictly on donations, they are making a significant commitment to these horses and their well-being.”

This week, the department was hard at work trying to find a new home for the animals.

“Our immediate concern is to get these horses into a facility that can provide the care that they will require for the rest of their lives, and the Horses of Tir Na Nog is the ideal place,” Danielson added.

Horses of Tir Na Nog director Amy Pat Rigney was scheduled to pick up the horses at 2 p.m. on Friday at the County animal shelter at 5821 Sweetwater Rd. in Bonita.

For more information about the County Department of Animal Services, visit www.sddac.com. For information about Horses of Tir Na Nog, visit www.horsesoftirnanog.org.