Dead Starved Horse Found Tied in Road, GOODRICH, September 30, 2011 - On September 8, 2011, the Polk County Sheriff Office was dispatched to Stallion Station Road which is South of the city of Livingston. The caller advised there was a horse lying across Stallion Station Rd. Corporal Rogers arrived on scene and found a severely emaciated sorrel horse lying across Stallion Station Rd. Corporal Rogers advised there was a rope tied to the back feet of the horse which had been used to tie to a tree on the side of the road. The horse had been dragged out of a trailer and left lying in the center of Stallion Station Rd. Corporal Rogers states it was apparent the horse had been starved, because of the condition the horse was found in. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is asking for assistance from the public for information leading to the arrest and prosecution for the person or persons responsible for this act of Animal Cruelty. This is one of many Animal Cruelty cases the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has investigated over the past nine months. Sheriff Hammack advised the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will aggressively pursue cases of Animal Cruelty and file charges on owners or the care givers which ever appropriate. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is actively pursing the owner of this. If you have any information regarding this case please call the local Crime Stoppers @ (936) 327-STOP (7867).
Animal Control Officer Crystal Rogers advised these types of cases or increasing and it appears the economy and the severe drought has placed hardships on animal owners like never before. With the low yielding hay fields locally, owners or having to have the hay shipped in for their animals, and the cost of feed has gone up. Officer Rogers said young and new owners did not foresee or take into account that caring for a horse or livestock goes far beyond the initial purchase cost. Officer Rogers says it’s our duty to care for the animal we have committed ourselves to because the animals can not care for themselves.
Animal Control Officer Crystal Rogers advised the Polk County Sheriff’s office has responded to 82 animal cruelty calls so for this year. This does not include the stray livestock that people have turned loose and never claim. Officer Rogers said she wants the public to know if they get into a bind there are rescue groups out there willing to help with fostering or adopting animals the owners are no longer able to care for.
Officer Roger’s said the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division will aggressively investigate all case of Animal Cruelty and file charges where appropriate, as well as the owner could also be responsible for any expenses incurred from seizing, impounding and Veterinarian fees.
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