Monday, February 18, 2013

The Humane Society of Utah commends the Utah County Sheriff's Department for filing charges of animal cruelty and intervening on behalf of some 100 horses in Utah County that have been caught up in a legal dispute. The County is now feeding and caring for the horses but officials say they are still not able to provide as much feed for the horses as is needed. If anyone would like to donate hay to feed these horses, please contact Spencer Cannon in the Utah County Sheriff's Department at (801) 851-4100.

Thank You

Friday, February 15, 2013

HSU Calls On Utah County To Save Horses

Horses Starving As Legal Standoff Continues

The Humane Society of Utah is calling upon Utah County officials to intervene on behalf of some 100 horses reportedly starving as the result of a legal dispute between the owners of Utah County's Smokey Mountain Ranch and a Weber County company known as Barrow Land and Livestock.

Both parties have filed counter-suites regarding the care of 100 horses owned by Smokey Mountain Ranch. In the meantime, the owners of these horses claim they no longer have funds to feed their animals. Several have reportedly died while others are allegedly starving during this legal dispute.

Because the Humane Society of Utah does not have legal authority to seize and care for these animals, the HSU is calling upon the Utah County Sheriff's Department to take immediate action to ensure these animals receive humane care and treatment. Under Utah law, the failure to provide sufficient food for an animal is an act of cruelty and the county sheriff is authorized to seize the animals and place a lien on the property of the wonder to cover the costs of this care. The legal dispute concerning the horses has no effect on the criminal charge of animal cruelty.

The HSU is asking the public to request immediate action by the Utah County Sheriff's Department by contacting Spencer Cannon, the Sheriff's Public Information Officer, at (801) 851-4100.

The Humane Society of Utah is closely monitoring this situation and will continue to do so. At the same time, the HSU's general counsel is researching all legal options which may be available and will consider any and all measures to ensure Utah County renders aid to the innocent victims in this dispute.