UPDATE – Animal Services says the horse has been named “Sky” by the veterinarian’s daughter.
The mare is reportedly making good progress in healing since Thursday. She is expected to remain in the care of a veterinarian for at least a month-and-a-half.
Santa Barbara County Animal Services is asking for the public’s help to track down the person responsible for abandoning a sick horse near Santa Maria last week.
It happened on Thursday, Oct. 18, in the 6000 block of Dominion Rd.
Community members reported the abandoned horse to Animal Services after reportedly seeing someone unload the horse from the trailer and quickly drive off.
The horse is described as a Bay Thoroughbred mare, approximately 16 hands tall, very thin, with open abscesses on her neck, swelling on her abdomen and chest, and some abrasions on her back.
The vehicle was described as a tan Suburban. It was hauling a trailer that appeared to be a brown and white, two-horse, bumper pull trailer.
Animal Services received photos of the vehicle and trailer, but officials say they are unable to make out the license plate.
Anyone who recognizes this vehicle and trailer or has any other information that may assist with this investigation is urged to call Santa Barbara County Animal Services at (805) 934-6119, ext. 6.
The horse was taken to an equine veterinary hospital for treatment. Her condition is described as “guarded.”
Donations to help with the care of this horse can be made on the Animal Services website.
Anyone interested in possibly adopting the horse can email smadoption@sbcphd.org.
