Horses rescued in Sultan; owner arrested

Published 11:22 pm Wednesday, September 9, 2009

SULTAN — A herd of thoroughbred horses that officials say were fed moldy, urine-soaked hay were rescued Wednesday and their owner was put behind bars.

“It’s bad,” Snohomish County Animal Control manager Vicki Lubrin said. “The horses are in bad shape, enough that the veterinarian recommended that they be removed immediately.”

County animal control officers and Snohomish County sheriff’s deputies served a search warrant Wednesday at a small property in the 12900 block of Trout Farm Road north of Sultan, Lubrin said.

During the raid, 10 thoroughbreds were rescued including two foals, a 2-year-old filly, six mares and one stallion, she said. The horses showed significant signs of inadequate nutrition and care.

The animals had bacterial skin infections and other health problems, Lubrin said. Their long-term prognosis for recovery is unclear.

The horses were moved to a private farm and will be under the care of a veterinarian.

A neighbor first reported problems at the farm in July. Animal control officers investigated and removed a mare that was barely able to walk, Lubrin said.

The horse in July was evaluated by two veterinarians who determined the mare’s chronic conditions were severe and the horse was humanely killed.

Since then, animal control officials had been working with the woman, 38, who ran the farm to improve the care and feeding of the horses, Lubrin said.

As many as 15 horses were kept on the rented 2.3-acre property in small paddocks, Lubrin said. The woman reportedly was trying to run a horse-breeding business. Officials also are investigating if the woman was hoarding the animals.

Animal control decided to rescue the animals when no improvement was evident and the horses’ conditions were deteriorating.

The woman was booked into the Snohomish County Jail for investigation of first-degree animal cruelty. She’s scheduled to go before a judge today.

Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437, jholtz@heraldnet.com.