SPCA says it is handling Land of Little Horses case appropriately
In this photo taken on May 7, 2014, Dawne Smith gives a treat to miniature horse Sea Time after a trick demonstration at the Land of Little Horses Farm Park. (Photo: File, The Evening Sun)
(Undated) — The Adams County SPCA issued a statement about the condition of a few animals at the Land of Little Horses in Gettysburg after receiving complaints.
Complaints also have been made on Facebook about the condition of the animals.
The SPCA made an unannounced inspection at the Land of Little Horses after receiving a complaint on April 27, the statement said. About 150 animals live at the farm park in the 100 block of Glenview Road in the Gettysburg area.
Abigail Avery, the humane officer and shelter manager, wrote “the owner welcomed the visit,” and they were escorted throughout the property to evaluate the animals and their living conditions. The animals had clean pens and potable water.
But a few days later, the non-profit organization received another anonymous complaint that included photos of a horse named “Jingles,” the statement says. Officials with the SPCA had not seen Jingles during the unannounced inspection.
The owner was instructed to have a licensed veterinarian assess his health, including his poorly shedding coat and weight loss. Jingles received an exam and underwent blood tests. The results came back normal, the statement says.
The veterinarian gave prescribed treatments, and the SPCA followed-up with recommendations and education, including dietary needs, grooming needs and cleanly habitats, the statement says.
The SPCA says “it’s not feasible to provide every specific detail of each animal, particularly during an open investigation. However, given this situation creating so much concern with members of the public, we felt it was our responsibility to reassure the community that we are handling the situation appropriately.”
“After today’s inspection we are pleased to report, with continued care, a significant improvement has been noted in all the areas of concern except a recent leg injury, requiring stall rest (per Vet) for Jingles,” the statement says.
It also includes a “respectful reminder” that diagnostic measures be handled by professionals. “Assumptions lead to the spreading of inaccurate information that fuels the fire causing unnecessary turmoil for so many,” the statement said. “We also need to remember that just because it isn’t how you or I would keep our animals, doesn’t make it against the law!”
This story comes to us through a partnership between WITF and The York Daily Record.
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