For Immediate Release
For more information
Mona Alloway, Public Relations Committee Chairperson Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society
Email: info@bluebonnetequine.org
Phone: (888) 542 5163
(June 28, 2005, Caldwell, Texas) Three horses, a foal, and two ponies are now on the road to good health thanks to the action of Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society, Somerville Police Department, and the Justice of the Peace in Precinct 4 of Burleson County. On June 19, 2005, Somerville Police Officer Rolling was dispatched to investigate a report of neglected horses. Upon arrival, he immediately noticed that the horses had no food and no water. Several of the horses were underweight and all appeared dehydrated. Officer Rolling immediately called Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society President Dr. Jennifer Williams to discuss the case with her.
On June 22, 2005, Somerville’s Chief of Police found that the horses were still without food and water. He spoke to Jodi Luecke with Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society (BEHS) and decided to obtain a warrant to seize all the equines on the property. BEHS volunteers arrived on the scene to assist the police department and to relocate the horses to a safe holding facility.
On June 28, 2005, County Attorney Joseph J. Skrivanek, III presented the case before Justice of the Peace Urbanovsky in Caldwell, Texas. Mr. Skrivanek questioned Chief Spittle about the conditions of the horses during his investigation and discussed blood work with Dr. Ilka Wagner. He interviewed Jodi Luecke and Joanne Terry of Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society regarding the condition of the horses and proper equine care. Although the horses’ owner protested that she had been providing feed for the horses, she provided no proof of her claims. In the end, Justice of the Peace Urbanovsky ruled that the horses were indeed neglected and awarded all six equines to Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society.
The horses will be cared for by Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society foster homes. After being rehabilitated and receiving necessary veterinarian work, the horses will go up for adoption. Adoption applicants must complete an application, undergo a pre-adoption home visit, pay an adoption fee, and sign a contract agreeing that they will never sell or give away the horses and that they will not breed the mares. The primary concern of the organization is to ensure that the horses never end up in neglectful homes again.
Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society is also seeking foster homes to care for these horses and other horses seized in similar neglect cases as well as donations for the care of the horses. BEHS is a Texas non-profit corporation whose 501(c)(3) status is currently pending. The group works to protect horses throughout Texas and Arkansas.