- An eight month old filly that looked like she was three months
- Ribs clearly visible on most of the horses
- Open sores and abscesses on several animals
- Three horses suffering from colic
- Overgrown hooves
Tammy Sperry did what any concerned person would do, she called the local Sheriff’s department. According to Sperry, they said, “We do not protect horses, we protect people. Our animal control unit, they do dogs and cats.” The Department of Agriculture was not helpful either; they told Sperry their investigators had already looked in on the horses and because they found them with food and water, they were being “cared for” and they could not intervene.
With the normal avenues for animal rescue closed, Roger Barrientos stepped in and helped in the quickest way that was legally possible. He called the owner and bought the horses. Barrientos’ generosity cost him $3,000 and saved twelve fragile lives.
Now with a lot of help from the local community the long road to recovery for these horses has begun. Hoofbeats with Heart is a local non-profit organization that provides equine activities and therapies for children and adults with special challenges. The organization graciously donated land for the horses, and is accepting donations on their behalf. Pet Club of Queen Creek donated six bales of hay, and is also accepting donations for the horses. VSI donated Durvet Wormer to begin deworming all the horses. Nutrena donated twelve bags of grain. Walmart in Queen Creek has agreed to donate gift cards to buy supplies for the horses. Several individuals have donated hay, grain, and halters for these horses. Veterinarian Shawn Sullivan has donated his time to examine the horses and get them on the road to recovery. Farriers Gary Hawley and Bill Post have also donated their time, and started fixing the horses overgrown hooves.
In addition to supplies, many people, including Sperry’s daughters Savanah and Frankie, and their friend Logan, have been caring for the horses. Neighbors Lisa, Gary, and their daughter Chandra spent three hours yesterday brushing the little filly Lucky Star and removing all of her matted fur. Children such as Lili, Ava, and Isabelle from Hoofbeats with Heart have also pitched in to help. “People have compassion,” said Sperry of the overwhelming outpouring of help and support. She wanted to thank everyone who has helped in this effort.
Although the horses have been vetted, dewormed, and fed vitamins, supplements, grain, and hay, their road to recovery could take several weeks or longer. When they are healthy the horses will be adopted out to caring families. In the meantime, it will take about $9,600 to care for the horses. Sperry has set up a Facebook page called 48 Hooves On The Road To Recovery to keep the community updated on the horses progress.
Donations in any amount are still needed.
- $1 can buy a bag of carrots,
- $5 can buy a tube of wormer
- $10 can help buy a fly mask, a halter, treats, shampoo, combs, or brushes
- $20 can buy a bale of hay and a few other smaller items
- $30 can buy milk replacer for little Lucky Star
- $30 - $100 will buy a thirty to sixty day supply of supplements or vitamins
- $40 can pay for trimming the feet of one horse
- $60 can pay for shoes for one horse
Donations in any amount can be made through Hoofbeats with Heart or Pet Club of Queen Creek.
Photo Credits: 48 Hooves On The Road to Recovery
