The Humane Society of Ventura County is reaching out to the community for extra help and assistance in the care of 38 severely neglected horses that arrived on October 8 at the Ojai Shelter. This is in addition to the 13 animals Humane Officers and Animal Control Officers took into protective custody for immediate medical treatment and care on September 25. All of the animals are from a ranch in Frazier Valley.

“After the first rescues, we approached the family about taking more horses into protective care to ease the burden on them,” said Jolene Hoffman, Shelter Director. “The family agreed to give us up to 40 horses. We arrived yesterday with trailers and personnel to remove the animals and found that the horses were very neglected and, as it turns out, dangerous. While trying to cull out horses to be removed, a forest service officer was attacked by a dominant mare. The horse knocked the woman to the ground and kicked her in the head.”

The officer was taken by medevac to an area hospital.

All 38 horses are now at the Ojai Shelter and the Humane Society is in desperate need of funds and materials to care and feed these animals. Extra corrals must be created to hold the horses and all types of equipment required to maintain and care for this large number of animals.

“We are reaching out the large equestrian community in Ventura County for assistance along with the general public,” stated Hoffman. “If you have extra feed bags, pipe corral, anything that could help us out, we need help immediately. And we will need additional money to cover costs over the next six months or more as we bring these animals back to a healthy state.”

It is estimated the care and rehabilitation of the horses will cost over $100,000, an amount not in the current budget for the Humane Society, which receives no governmental funds and relies 100% on donations from the public to continue its services.

“We really need the public to help us out,” stated Hoffman. “These poor animals will slowly regain strength and eventually will make wonderful animals for a horse lover.”

The Society is requesting emergency donations to help in the care, feeding and recovery of these horses be sent to the Shelter located at 402 Bryant St, Ojai, CA 93023. For 75 years, the people of Ventura County have supported the Humane Society of Ventura County. The Society’s website is www.humanesocietyvc.org or call (805) 646-6505 for details.