Humane Society caring for surrendered horses, dogs; donations needed

WILLMAR, Minn. – Six horses and nine dogs removed on June 12 from a rural Meeker County, Minn., home are now in the care of the Humane Society of Kandiyohi and Meeker County.

It’s hoped they can eventually be adopted to new permanent homes, said Bobbie Bauman, director of operations at the Humane Society’s Hawk Creek Animal Shelter.

The animals were surrendered by their owner after complaints of alleged neglect.

The horses are currently at a foster farm, where they’re being fed to regain weight, Bauman said. “We’ll know in a week or so which ones will be ready to be adopted.”

They’re also receiving veterinary care, including vaccinations, deworming, heartworm testing and a check of their hooves and teeth, she said.

The nine dogs, all smaller breeds, are at the Hawk Creek Animal Shelter in Willmar. The puppies are ready to be adopted and the adult dogs will likely be available soon for adoption, Bauman said. “They’re doing OK.”

Two more dogs remain at large. They could not be caught when Meeker County sheriff’s deputies and two Humane Society workers went to the rural Darwin home on the night of June 12.

Bauman said the Humane Society and the Sheriff’s Office had been working with the owner since 2010 to resolve ongoing concerns about alleged animal neglect. In 2010 the owner surrendered three dogs to the Humane Society. Eight horses and two donkeys were taken in by the Humane Society in the fall of 2011.

This is the third time in two years the local shelter has taken over the care of horses surrendered by owners who could no longer care for them. The cost of feed for the six horses currently in the shelter’s care is estimated at $50 to $75 a month for each horse, Bauman said.

Donations are being accepted to help defray the cost of caring for the horses and dogs. Donations may be sent to the Humane Society of Kandiyohi and Meeker County, Box 709, Willmar, Minn. 56201.