11 Hendry Horses Need Help

11 Abandoned Horses Found Loose In Montura

CLEWISTON, FL. -- On June 8, 2009, Hendry County Sheriff's Office Agricultural Crimes Unit responded to the area of Perimeter Road and S. Palm Ave., in Montura Ranch Estates to follow up on a report of horses running loose on the roadway.  By the time investigators were able to arrive at the location they were able to capture 11 horses with the help of Alico Ranch cowboys. 
 
At the time of transporting and penning the horses they appeared to approximately 2-20 years of age, some appeared to be underweight.  Investigators immediately noticed that the horses had freeze brands located on the neck at which time they instantly knew they were part of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Adopt a Wild Horse or Burro program.  Contact was made with BLM and they were able to identify these horses to have been adopted out and titled.
 
On Friday morning area Veterinarian Dr. Bridgett Shewmaker-Cochran met with Agricultural Investigator Charles White and conducted Coggins test on each of the horses and later found that all Coggins test were reported negative. 
 
An appeal for assistance in the care of these horses was made and Martin County Sheriff�s Office Agricultural Unit and members of the Martin County Sheriff's Office Volunteer Posse answered the request for help with 50 bales of hay (approximately a 10-day supply), a donation made possible by the Posse members and Ranch Feed & Supply in Martin County.
 
Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden and Investigator Charles White are working with the Caloosa Humane Society in an effort to begin an adoption process upon the completion of the investigation. 

If you would like to make a monetary donation, you may contact Finance Manager, Marlene Conyers at 863-674-5600 or send a check or money order made payable to the Hendry County Sheriff�s Office and mail to Marlene Conyers c/o Hendry County Sheriff�s Office, P.O. Box 579, LaBelle, FL  33975. 

For a donation of hay or feed you may contact Brenda White, Hendry County Sheriff's Office at 863-674-5653.  If you are interested in adopting one or more of these horses, please e-mail the Caloosa Humane Society at adoptdogncats@earthlink.net.
 
Investigators are still uncertain where these horses came from or who the current owner is, but continue to follow all leads.