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AMH
ID Number: NE1
April 29, 2009
Lot: 211
head, including Best Hobby Yet (above)
When news of the dire situation at the 3-Strikes Mustang Ranch in
Bridgeport, NE broke on Tuesday, April 21, few employees at KV Vet
Supply in David City, NE realized how close to home the story from 370
miles away would hit. But Dr. Richard Porter DVM, of KV Vet
Supply immediately recognized the ranch owner as the man who had taken
one of his horses.
"I was worried sick for my Quarter Horse gelding Best Hobby Yet," said
Dr. Porter. "The reports from the ranch were not good."
And there was plenty of bad news to make him worry. Initial reports from
the mustang rescue ranch, indicated more than 60 horses dead and at
least 100 in critical condition. Morrill County sheriff's deputies had
discovered the horses, living in crowded, filthy pens without access to
proper food or fresh water. They were severely emaciated and suffering
from overgrown hooves and other medical conditions. The final count
would increase to 74 dead and 211 sick. "It was a terrible situation,"
stated Dr. Porter "This man took my horse without authorization. Then he
disappears off the radar only to show up again in this nightmare."
While waiting for news of his horse, Dr. Porter joined KV Vet Supply's
effort to assist the rescue operation. One hundred and seventy-five
pounds of Safe-Guard wormer was immediately shipped to the site to treat
the severe worm infestation in the herd. And after consultation with Dr.
Raymond Metzner, owner of KV Vet Supply, an additional shipment of
needed supplies including Gluquestrian, BCAA Complex 2, Antioxidant
Formula, Brace Yourself, AniFlex, FasTrack, Apple Horse Snacks, Lamina
Saver, Kopertox and Venice Turpentine is being shipped out. And KV also
worked with officials from Farnam Companies, Inc. to coordinate a
shipment of 100lbs. of Equi Aid Natural Psyllium fiber to help the
horses pass the sand that had been ingested at the sparsely vegetated
Sandhills ranch.
Volunteers from two horse rescue groups and other community volunteers
moved the living but sickly animals to the local fairgrounds over a
three day period to receive treatment. Three veterinarians led the
horses move and eight veterinary students from the University of
Nebraska and Iowa State University photographed and examined the horse,
and treated them for parasites.
It wasn't until April 21 that Dr. Porter received news of his horse. "I
was relieved to say the least," he said. Dr. Porter's horse was among
the 211 surviving animals. "And I'm thankful for all those who responded
so quickly to the rescue effort. And it's an ongoing effort. I estimate
my horse is at least 150 to 200 pounds underweight and will take several
months to gain that weight back. It's going to be a long road for all
these animals. With 74 dead animals it's a tragic situation really.
We're fortunate to have the opportunity to help save as many animals as
we can."
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Photo provided by CBS: 5/6/09 ~ |
