WARNING: Some images and descriptions of animal abuse and neglect may be disturbing to some readers. Discretion is advised.
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — An El Paso County horse rescue is pleading with the community to reach out if they are struggling to care for their animals, after a severely neglected and emaciated horse passed away despite intense efforts to save him.
A 16-year-old horse named Cowboy passed away after he was left to starve by his previous owners. Elite Equine Rescue and Rehab said this kind of abuse happens more often than it ever should.
“Because of the decreased body condition, we had to blanket him with five blankets just to keep his body temperature stable,” said Gina Heluska, the president and founder of Elite Equine Rescue and Rehab.
Heluska said on Thanksgiving, she received a call from a woman wanting to surrender her horse.
“Unfortunately, when we sent some of our team there, she had locked the facility and would not allow us access. So, then the sheriff had to get involved directly and so met us at the facility. The animal, the horse, was then confiscated,” said Heluska.
But she had no idea how bad the horse’s condition was.
“He was so weak that he couldn’t stand on his own. We had to use heavy equipment just to get him up and get him out of there,” she added.
Heluska said Cowboy was abandoned and left to starve, and it was one of the worst cases she has ever seen.
“He was trying to get up, didn’t get to his feet to stand. Unfortunately, he couldn’t. So, any time he tried, he would fall into things, and so it resulted in a lot of abrasions, bruising and swelling,” she said.
Despite her efforts to save him, the horse died a few days later. Heluska said that the most common reason horses end up in a condition like Cowboy is when people can no longer afford their horse.
“Had we been informed earlier of the situation, we would have been able to step in, if not take the horse off their hands to relieve that stress, that financial burden for them,” said Heluska.
That’s why she began Elite Equine Rescue, to try and give horses a second chance.
“We’re not here to judge anybody, that’s on our place. We’re just here to offer solace for these horses in need. And ultimately give you as the owner some relief and, you know, lift that burden of stress for you as well. Again, if you’re not able to care for the animal or provide for them, please just reach out. We’re here to help,” said Heluska.
Heluska said the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case. FOX21 NEWS reached out to find out if any charges are pending and have not heard back.
If you would like to donate or get involved with Elite Equine Rescue, click here.
The Elite Equine rescue fundraiser “Boots and Bling” gala is Saturday, Dec. 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to raise money for injured and unwanted horses, and to give them a second chance.
