In a shocking incident that has drawn the attention of animal welfare advocates, two horses were reportedly discovered in dire condition by deputies from the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office in early March. The discovery came after a complaint concerning horses in distress was filed, leading authorities to a property on McIver Road in Cascade County where they apparently found two severely underweight horses alongside the remains of two others that had allegedly died from neglect.
The surviving horses, now under the care of Montana Horse Sanctuary, were reportedly in such poor condition that one rescuer described their situation as perilous. Shanna Bulik-Chism, secretary of the Montana Horse Sanctuary, recounted the harrowing scene they encountered upon arrival. “When I first got there, the first thing that I saw was the dead pony. And you could tell that it had been there for quite a while, the eyes were missing,” she stated. The severity of the situation was emphasized further as Bulik-Chism described the remaining horses as “very close to death,” indicating that they may have perished without prompt intervention.
The facility’s volunteers confirmed that the horses’ former owner, Susan Kay Jones, had recently pleaded guilty to one count of animal cruelty in connection with the case. While animal cruelty is classified as a misdemeanor in Montana, it can escalate to a felony status if the abuse involves ten or more animals. The implications of this case may raise awareness about the potential legal consequences of animal neglect in the region.
According to reports, Jones admitted to neglecting the horses for at least a week, but veterinary assessments suggest that the conditions may have persisted for much longer. As they begin their recovery, the two horses are receiving specialized care, which includes careful feeding to help restore their health. “Their intestines and their systems are just so fragile,” explained Bulik-Chism, indicating the long road to recovery could take up to two years.
Despite their reportedly severe condition, Bulik-Chism expressed hope for the horses’ rehabilitation. “They’ve come a long way. It’s hard to believe because they still look so thin, but they’re amazing; they’re so friendly,” she remarked. Nevertheless, the financial toll of providing adequate care for the horses is significant, with each horse’s first-year care projected to cost around $6,000.
The Montana Horse Sanctuary, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating neglected horses, is actively seeking donations to cover these costs. They are also accepting inquiries for adoption, expressing a preference for the two horses to remain together due to their emotional bond.
Animal welfare issues often evoke strong reactions, and this case has galvanized the community, prompting neighbors to come forward and report the troubling conditions they observed. The involvement of local law enforcement underscores the importance of public vigilance in ensuring animal welfare.
For those wishing to support the rehabilitation efforts or considering adopting these horses, the Montana Horse Sanctuary can be contacted at 406-264-5300 or through their website.