Michigan: abandoned horse.

Michigan

County seizes abandoned horse [link]
NICHOLAS DESHAIS | July 18, 2008

An abandoned horse was seized Thursday evening after neighbors noticed the animal still grazing in a pasture even though the house was empty. Just before 6 p.m., the horse was taken into custody and authorities shifted "from recovery to investigation of abuse," St. Clair County Administrator Shaun Groden said. "There are no wounds, sores or under feeding. That may change when we get a closer look," Groden said earlier in the day. Upon seizure, authorities got a closer look, and Groden said they've noticed a very tight halter seems to have cut the horse's skin and there was a problem with the its hooves, which appear to have not been kept up. Neighbors, who did not want their names printed in the Times Herald, said they were supplying water to the horse, which had shelter in small pole barn and access to a field, where it fed. Sgt. Scott Foerster with the St. Clair County Humane Law Enforcement first visited the site Tuesday morning, at which time he searched the property and began the proceedings needed to seize the horse, Groden said. Thursday, Foerster went through the process of seizing the animal, which involved getting permission from the county prosecutor and a judge or magistrate. He also contacted a boarding facility to find temporary lodging for the horse. Animal abandonment is punishable by up to four years in jail, a fine of $50,000 and 500 hours of community service.

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