by RMHP Staff
Montana authorities are recommending criminal charges be filed after allegations of animal cruelty surfaced at Kountz Arena in March. An emaciated stallion broken and missing part of his lower leg was discovered in a filthy pen. A calf was also found nearby barely alive and unable to move.
Gallatin County Undersheriff Dan Springer tells Rate My Horse PRO that his department submitted a request for prosecution on Thursday to the County Attorney's office.The Undersheriff would not say who or how many people could face charges since the decision will be up to prosecutors.
The 1996 American Paint Horse Association stallion named Doc was found at the arena during a horse show. A group of competitors became outraged by the emaciated horse with “dead eyes” and a bloody stump instead of a leg. His hoof and part of his leg allegedly fell off after an accident. His front limbs were swollen and his feet overgrown. Authorities were contacted because the whistleblowers believed the animals were suffering needlessly.
Deputies and a local veterinarian responded to the location. Dr. Gary Cook, DVM says he recommended euthanasia for both animals. He was not the one that put the animals down.
Doc's stump was wrapped as the concerned onlookers watched. The three legged horse was loaded onto a horse trailer and taken to an unknown location. He was euthanized later that day — reportedly by a bullet to the head.
Days later, authorities confirmed both Doc and the calf were both euthanized, per Dr. Cook's instructions.
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Source: Rate My Horse PRO
