Public Health Animal Services Responds to Horse Health Situation

Health and Protection of Horses Assured

The Animal Services section of Public Health - Madison and Dane County (PHMDC) has been working with a Town of Oregon horse owner since February. Multiple visits have been made to the property to assess the condition of the horses and to work with the owner to improve their well being. As of today (Monday, May 7, 2012), PHMDC has facilitated the voluntary surrender of nearly half of the horses that had been kept on the property. These horses have been placed in new homes where they will receive proper care and continue to be monitored. PHMDC continues to work with the owner to find new homes for the remaining horses. The horses that have been voluntarily surrendered and relocated to this point have included horses initially determined to be in the poorest health. PHMDC will be requiring a veterinarian to visit the property to conduct a detailed medical evaluation of the remaining horses. While working to encourage and coordinate relocation of the remaining animals, PHMDC is preparing a series of directives for the owner of the animals to ensure the safety and well-being of those horses that remain on the property. -END-