Tulsa County Hoping To Open A New Foster Program

We've had a lot of people asking about horses seized during an animal abuse investigation near Leonard. Two people are charged in the case. So what happens to animals when they're taken by deputies?

Friday, May 11th 2007, 7:37 pm

By: News On 6

We've had a lot of people asking about horses seized during an animal abuse investigation near Leonard. Two people are charged in the case. So what happens to animals when they're taken by deputies? News On 6 anchor Craig Reports Tulsa County wants to start a new foster program for abused and neglected horses.

There is a new home, at least for now, for nearly two dozen horses seized by Tulsa County deputies as part of an animal abuse investigation. There is plenty of food and water at the Collinsville Stockyards, where the horses are now being kept, but deputies say that wasn't the case when they found the horses. They say some were injured and malnourished.

When Theresa Jones, who lives in Wagoner County, heard about the case, it broke her heart.

"I was just saddened by it,â€ said Jones. â€œI'm an animal lover, and I just thought it was sad."

Jones wants to know if she can help the horses. She has land and good fences and plenty of grass. There's also a new barn on her place near Coweta.

"My husband and I just purchased this place and we have a lot of grass out here that could feed two or three,â€ said Jones. â€œSo I felt like it was something I could do to help out."

The Tulsa County Sheriff's Office says it is working to develop a foster care program for horses seized during abuse and neglect investigations. The system would include inspections of prospective foster homes and safeguards to make sure horses are handled properly.

"We'll have to keep a record of them because the criminal end will still be running on any seized horses," said Tulsa County Deputy David Long.

Long says it would also help alleviate some of the cost for the county. As for Jones, she is all for the idea.

"I think it would be wonderful. I hope that there is more people that will volunteer to do it, that has the land,â€ said Jones. â€œI think it's a win, win situation."

To learn more about what Tulsa County is planning you can call the sheriff's office for more information. The sheriff's office says people participating in the foster program would have to keep detailed records. That includes information about any veterinary care.

Watch the video: Help For Neglected Horses

Related Story:

5/9/2007 Horses Seized In Animal Abuse Investigation

5/10/2007 Two Arrested In Horse Abuse Case