DAYS END FARM HORSE RESCUE
Assists in Recovery of 74 Horses Seized by Maryland
Animal Control Officials

Lisbon - January 2007 - Days End Farm Horse Rescue provided crucial assistance in the seizure and sheltering of 74 horses impounded by the Humane Society of Washington County, Maryland which is part of an on-going criminal investigation.

Recovery efforts began Saturday, December 2, 2006. Working at the request of Paul Miller, Director of the Humane Society of Washington County, under warrant issued by local officials, Days End's large animal rescue team was deployed on-site to Sharpsburg, Maryland. Under the direction of Brooke Vrany, Days End's Director of Programs and Emergency Services, the team began tagging and assisting local veterinarians in the medical evaluation of the horses. Those identified by veterinarians as in the most compromised state of health were transported to Days End's rehabilitation facility in Howard County, Maryland for further evaluation and rehabilitation during the on-going investigation.

The horses, which included pregnant mares, foals, yearlings and stallions roaming with each other among make-shift paddocks and fields, were each first tagged with an identification number. According to Vrany, that task in and of itself was overwhelming just given the sheer number of horses. "The identification process was daunting, but with care and patience over a three-day period, the teams were able to isolate each of the over 70 horses in portable round corals we brought on-site. That's the first critical step in the evaluation process," Vrany said.

After being identified and tagged, local veterinarians conducted field evaluations on the health and condition of each animal. Those appearing to suffer from malnutrition or other medical conditions requiring immediate attention were transported to Days End for further evaluation and care in a safe and controlled environment. One horse died in transit to veterinary care.

The seizure and recovery process was a combined effort on the part of The Humane Society of Washington County, local government officials and law enforcement as well as Days End’s large animal rescue team, and the Humane Society of the United States whose responders have stayed on-site since the recovery efforts began. Providing emergency services is a part of Days End Farm Horse Rescue's mission. Its trained team of first responders has provided much-needed assistance in the wake of numerous natural disasters and emergency situations, including hurricanes Charlie and Frances in 2004, and Katrina and Rita in 2005. "We're no stranger to these types of situations, and Days End is proud we can offer this type of assistance to communities locally and throughout the country," Vrany said.

“Since arriving at Days End, 24 of the Washington County horses have undergone more extensive veterinary examinations” said Kathy Schwartz, Days End’s Executive Director. "Our work here is just beginning though. Much is needed to assure the health and safety of these and other horses while under our care." Supporters are encouraged to provide their tax deductible donations to provide much needed hay, feed, and medical supplies as care and rehabilitation of the animals continues. Contributions can be made through the Days End Farm Horse Rescue website at http://www.defhr.org/ or sent by mail to Days End Farm Horse Rescue, P.O. Box 309, Lisbon, Maryland 21765-0309. All donations for the Washington County horses should be designated "WCO."

Donations may also be sent to The Humane Society of Washington County; Attention “ The Sharpsburg Horse Rescue Medical & Rehabilitation Fund, 13011 Maugansville Road, Hagerstown, MD 21740.

 

 

For more information call:
301/854-5037 or 410/442-1564
E-Mail: info@defhr.org

Physical Address:
1372 Woodbine Road
Woodbine, MD 21797

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 309
Lisbon, Maryland 21765

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Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer based humane organization whose mission is Fostering compassion and responsibility for horses through intervention, education, and outreach.