Urge Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office to Help Skeletal Horse

On May 24, PETA received a report of an alarmingly emaciated horse who is reportedly located on Mesquite Street in Sullivan City, Texas. Our equine specialist believes that this animal, who has virtually no body fat, will die without intervention. A local rescue group tells us that it has spoken to the horse’s owner—offering food, water, and to take the animal into its care—but that the owner declined assistance, apparently saying that the horse is old and no longer wants to eat. Of course, merely being elderly is not a reason for any animal to be extremely underweight.

PETA reported the situation to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office immediately after being advised of the horse’s condition, and we were told that the case had been assigned to an investigator on May 22. We spoke with the investigator, who told us, “The animal is fine,” and cited old age as a reason for the horse’s body condition. Given how horrifically underweight the horse is, he or she appears to require immediate veterinary attention. PETA offered to subsidize this, but the investigator only said that he would pass on our message to the owner. We understand that when agencies have open investigations, they are often unable to disclose details until the case has closed, but considering this horse’s condition and the investigator’s assertion that the horse is “fine,” we are not confident that this animal is currently receiving the care he or she desperately needs.

We need your voice! Please contact the Hildalgo County Sheriff’s Office, urging swift intervention for this animal, including immediate veterinary care as deemed necessary, with seizure and charges considered if appropriate.

Please note: We can’t disclose the animal’s exact address, but the sheriff’s office is familiar with the case and will know which horse you’re calling about if you mention the street and city.

• Contact the sheriff’s office:
  E-mail [email protected].
  Call 956-383-8114.
  Comment on its Facebook page.

• E-mail Sheriff Eddie Guerra: [email protected]; [email protected]