CORRECTION: Clark County Judge Issues Search Warrant for Property on Highway 73 with Horse
Monday, January 28th, 2019 -- 11:41 AM
-I do have a correction on a story regarding a horse in Clark County that ran last week.A Clark County Judge did issue a search warrant Friday for the property owner just north of Christie regarding a horse he keeps on the property. This search warrant shows the judge believes there is probable cause that the owner, Harold Heck, may be violating a state statute requiring he provide proper shelter for the animal. A horse located at a property on Highway 73 just north of Christie has been the source of social media outrage and petitions. The horse is often seen chained to a vehicle axle with a small area to move around in. Over 200,000 people have signed an online petition calling for animal abuse charges against the owner. They say the horse has limited space to move around in and is subject to the elements. People have offered to purchase the animal and even build it a shelter, but Heck has declined. He says the horse gets plenty of food and water and the only reason he’s chained is because he can’t see well. Back in September of 2017, the Clark County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant, along with a Grassland Veterinarian, to check on the horse.
At the time, they found no medical issues present. The horse was not underweight, water was present and it showed no signs of abuse or neglect. His report indicated the horse was healthy with no notable diseases or problems. The horse was not in any pain or discomfort and he didn’t see any evidence to support cruelty charges. They also took the time to remind people that social media reports and stories can be inaccurate and making false accusations against someone can have legal consequences. It is now up to the Clark County Sheriff's Office to serve the warrant and investigate whether the horse is being kept in inhumane conditions. If investigators find that neglect is being committed, they are permitted to seize the horse.
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