Battle Regarding Clark County Horse Continues
Tuesday, January 29th, 2019 -- 12:15 PM
-The battle regarding the welfare of a horse in Clark County continues.The horse itself is often seen chained to a vehicle axel on a property off Highway 73 just north of Christie. Recently, due to an online petition and social media outrage, a lawyer asked a Clark County Judge to issue a search warrant allowing Clark County Sheriff Deputies to take possession of the animal and bring animal cruelty charges against the owner, Harold Heck. The judge did issue the search warrant and the Clark County Sheriff’s Department executed it on Friday. According to the Department, they were to go to the residence with a licensed animal veterinarian and examine the horse to make sure it is being cared for, is healthy and has shelter. The horse was examined by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine that provides services to equine patients. The horse’s health, surroundings and its environment was examined. It was found that the horse is healthy and has adequate food available. The owner offers water to the horse and provides a wind break to the animal. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Humane Deputy and veterinarian both agreed that the horse was healthy and is being provided the minimum standard of shelter needed per state statues.
This is the second time the department has check on the horse. In September of 2017, the department and a veterinarian checked on the animal. At that time, the same conclusion was reached. 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 the owner 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.
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