Rescued horses face long but promising road to recovery

NEWS RELEASE

Humane Society of Vero Beach and IRC Director of Animal Protection Ilka Daniel monitors Rosie, one of two malnourished horses currently being cared for by the shelter. Both Rosie and a horse named Billy were voluntarily surrendered to the shelter by their owner.

It will be a long road to recovery for Rosie and Billy, two severely underweight horses rescued by The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County (HSVBIRC). Billy, an eleven-year-old gray gelding, and Rosie, a fifteen-year-old pregnant bay mare, were voluntarily turned over to The Humane Society last Wednesday after their owner stated she was unable to properly care for the animals.

“Helping these two horses has been a collaborative effort. Thanks to our community, Billy and Rosie’s future looks promising,” says Ilka Daniel, The Humane Society’s director of animal protection. Getting the two malnourished horses to The HSVBIRC was achieved thanks to an equine trailer loaned by the Indian River County Department of Animal Control along with help from Sergeant Brad Fojtik and Deputy Davie Partin of The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Ranch and Grove division. HSVBIRC equine volunteers John Thompson and Bruce Dangerfield assisted with the transport and veterinarian Tanya Ciacciarelli of East Coast Animal Medical Center has been monitoring Billy and Rosie’s health.

Billy, an eleven-year-old gelding grazes at The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County.

“We expect Billy and Rosie to be long-term shelter residents,” explains Daniel, who is currently overseeing their day-to-day care. The Humane Society is requesting contributions of money and supplies since it may take six to twelve months before Billy and Rosie can be placed for adoption. Both horses are extremely thin and must be fed every two hours throughout the day until they develop more strength. While Rosie will birth her foal in the near future, the shelter is waiting for her health to improve before performing an ultrasound that would better determine her due date. “Once Billy and Rosie are strong enough, we’ll also have staff and volunteers provide them with exercise to help restore their muscle mass and provide psychological enrichment,” she added.

The Humane Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping and protecting the animals of Indian River County. If you would like to make a donation, please call the shelter at (772) 388-3826.

One comment

I applaud the owner giving the horses to the Humane Society for optimum treatment. As an animal lover myself, It must have been a difficult decision. Perhaps a “Horse Cents” campaign can be started and all loose change donated to Billy’s and Rosie’s care? I’ll find some spare time and change. Any suggestions where to place jars?