News Release

March 4, 2008

Contacts: Steven Sprowl
Field Services Manager
Or
Sheila E. Ryan
Dir. of Development & Marketing
Phone: (603) 772-2921 ext. 106

Stratham, NH
For Immediate Release

3 Horses Rescued In Cruelty Case

On Thursday, February 28, 2008 the New Hampshire SPCA Field Services Division assisted the Sandown Police Department in removing two horses from a property in Sandown, NH. The NHSPCA worked in cooperation with the Sandown Police Department to evaluate and subsequently remove the horses from the premises.

This action came following a previous inspection of the property on February 15, 2008 during which the NHSPCA assisted the Sandown Police Department in a cruelty investigation that resulted in the owner surrendering one horse voluntarily. The other two horses on the property did not have appropriate shelter and were subject to the extreme winter cold. They were living in filthy stalls and were not receiving fresh water. The owner was given a notice to comply and instructed that he must erect proper shelter, provide fresh water and maintain clean stalls.

On February 28th, the NHSPCA was again called by the Sandown Police Department when it was suspected that the owner had not complied with requirements. A NH licensed veterinarian was called to accompany the NHSPCA and Sandown Police to evaluate the condition of the horses as required by law. The veterinarian determined that the horses were not receiving proper care and should be removed from the property. One of the horses was in need of immediate medical attention, and there was no fresh water or clean stalls for the horses to bed down on.

Rather than facing possible charges for cruelty to animals, as well as incurring additional expense, the owner opted to surrender the two horses to the NHSPCA. They were immediately removed from the property. The NHSPCA staff will evaluate the horses and provide necessary medical treatment and rehabilitation. Once complete, the horses will be made available for adoption.

The NHSPCA is seeking financial support to assist with the rehabilitation of the horses. Donations may be made to the SOS Fund via the web site at www.nhspca.org, by phone at (603) 772-2921 or by mail to SOS Fund, PO Box 196, Stratham NH 03885.

The New Hampshire SPCA is a community resource center that provides animal adoption, education, investigation and sheltering services in a professional and compassionate way. The Adoption Center is open from 11 am – 4pm on Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11 am – 7pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and closed on Wednesday. For more information about the NHSPCA, visit www.nhspca.org.

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