Avenues sought to rescue neglected horses
posted Wednesday, March 13th, 2013 @ 2:35 pm

The Concordia Parish Sheriff's Office (CPSO) is working with the District Attorney's office and judges to ascertain the legal steps necessary to rescue neglected horses.

Chief Deputy David Hedrick said Tuesday that CPSO has been inundated with calls from citizens concerned about tethered horses which appear to be neglected.

One horse tethered along the Old River levee near Ferriday died recently, apparently due to neglect.

"We have lots more horses being neglected nowadays and we're trying to figure out how to handle the problem," Hedrick said. "I think a lot of people are getting horses because they think they are fun to have but don't realize that it cost money and takes time to feed and care for them. Some are abandoned and no one cares for these horses."

"I've never seen that situation as bad as it is now," he said.

Hedrick said "we know we can take these neglected horses by court order." He said the owners will be cited for cruelty to animals.

CPSO is consulting with individuals who have the necessary land to feed, water and care for the neglected horses.

"They will pick up the horses and they will receive a daily fee that will be paid by the owners of the horses," he said.

Jason Trichell, Superintendent of Operations for the Fifth District Levee Board, said the district requires permits for livestock to graze on the levee.