Local authorities seize 17 starving horses

The Flathead County Sheriff's Office recently seized 17 horses in various stages of starvation and other health issues from a residence in the Columbia Falls area, and is now asking for help from the community in providing food and blankets for the horses.

On Sept. 19 Flathead County Animal Control was dispatched to the residence for an animal cruelty complaint involving several horses. Initial observation by responding animal wardens led them to believe the five horses were not being fed adequately, according to a press release from the Sheriff's Office.

In the course of the investigation, information was gathered indicating there were likely more horses belonging to the same owner being pastured at other addresses around Flathead County. While following up on this information, wardens located 17 horses in total, all in very poor condition.

It was reported that one horse may have died prior to the initial report, the press release said.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office applied for and were granted a search warrant for the pastures and subsequently seized the horses. The animals are currently in the care of Flathead County Animal Control.

An investigation of this case is still ongoing, and is currently being reviewed by the Flathead County Attorney’s Office for charges of aggravated animal cruelty.

"These types of cases, no matter what kind of animal, place a strain on the resources Flathead County agencies currently have in regards to care for seized animals," the Sheriff's Office said.

The rescued horses need horse blankets, grass hay or light alfalfa grass hay, senior feed and alfalfa pellets

Anyone who is able to donate should email horses@flathead.mt.gov.