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The Human Society of the United States in conjunction with Safe Haven Equine Rescue and Retirement Home, assists Camp County Sheriff’s Office with the rescue of more than 150 horses from an alleged cruelty situation Thursday in Camp County, Texas. Courtesy/HSUS, Meredith Lee
| Animal Welfare
CAMP COUNTY — Approximately 150 horses were seized Thursday morning in large-scale alleged cruelty situation at the 45-acre nonprofit Scarlet’s Legacy Equine Rescue in Camp County. Camp County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested the president of the rescue, Deanna Tierney, on June 6 for five counts of cruelty to livestock animals; however, no arrests were made Thursday morning after a seizure warrant was served at approximately 7:30 a.m.
Sheriff Alan McCandless said in a media briefing at the scene his department would have a better picture by the end of the day as to whether additional charges would be filed.
The Humane Society of the United States is assisting the Camp County Sheriff ’s Office and Safe Haven Equine Rescue and Retirement Home in removing the horses from Scarlet’s Legacy Equine Rescue.
The animals appeared to suffer from malnourishment and a lack of veterinary care, and the majority appeared to be severely underweight. Many horses were housed in overcrowded pens.
Responders are transporting the rescued animals to a temporary emergency shelter at an undisclosed location, where they are being examined by a veterinarian and their immediate needs are being met. Safe Haven Equine Rescue and Retirement Home responders will provide care for the horses at the temporary shelter, and HSUS has committed to providing at least 60 days of hay for the horses in addition to assisting with other needs related to their care.
“Upon the horses arriving at our holding facility, they are receiving necessary medical attention, including an overall exam and being grouped with appropriate size and gender horses,” said Kerri Downs, rescue coordinator for Safe Haven Equine Rescue and Retirement Home. “As of 10:30 a.m., the body scores of all the horses examined so far have ranged from one to three, meaning a number of them are emaciated.”
“It is gut-wrenching for our team to see so many horses suffering from deprivation of their most basic needs,” said Jessica Johnson, director of animal crimes for HSUS. “We are thankful to the Camp County Sheriff’s Office for answering the call to help these animals.”
The assistance of the HSUS was requested by the Camp County Sheriff’s Office after concerns about the welfare of animals on the property were raised.
“This is a very large rescue effort for a department of our size, and with the help of the Humane Society as well as Safe Haven…, this is possible,” said Camp County Sheriff Alan McCandless. “Our concern is getting these animals to a safe location where a veterinarian can assess them and get them the care they need.
“We are committed to doing all that we can to get these horses the expert care they need,” said Kitty Block, president and CEO of HSUS. “Depriving an animal of proper nutrition and necessary veterinary care is unacceptable, and we strongly encourage the public to contact authorities if they ever suspect that any animal is in trouble and in need of intervention.”
Support is needed to help with this case, as well as future emergencies such as natural disasters and animal cruelty cases. Those interested in helping are encouraged to donate to the Humane Society of the United States’ Emergency Animal Rescue Fund at humanesociety.org.
— Lynda Stringer of The Pittsburg Gazette contributed to this report.