HOWELL, Mich. (WLNS) — A pony is being returned to its proprietor after it was seized resulting from accusations of neglect. Now, the rescue group that is been caring for the animal is anxious.
Horses’ Haven in Howell is sharing its disappointment in a brand new court docket order from Clinton County that may require workers to return the horse, which they named RC, again to his unique proprietor. The horse rescue’s Government Director, Kristine Dvonch, stated the animal was taken away as a result of he was about to die.
(Photograph: Kristine Dvonch, Horses’ Haven)
(Photograph: Kristine Dvonch, Horses’ Haven)
(Photograph: Kristine Dvonch, Horses’ Haven)
(Photograph: Kristine Dvonch, Horses’ Haven)
(Photograph: Kristine Dvonch, Horses’ Haven)
“He was a body condition score of one. In the horse world, that is near death. He doesn’t have any muscle or flesh left to speak of,” Dvonch continued. “He was covered in burs, and he couldn’t even visualize out of his eyes. His forelock was one large plank.”
Dvonch stated there was one other horse taken from the proprietor in the identical seizure operation on February twenty fourth, 2025, however it didn’t make it.
“He was recumbent on the ground, very stiff and frozen,” Dvonch continued. “We tried very hard to get him back on his feet, but to no avail. He was not able to stand on his own, so he was humanely euthanized on site.”
The manager director stated RC has made plenty of progress over the previous six months at Horses’ Haven, however she lately obtained some information that she stated may jeopardize her group’s efforts. The Clinton County Prosecutor’s Workplace determined that the proprietor, RC, may now have him again.
“I was very shocked,” stated Dvonch.
The County’s Prosecuting Lawyer, Tony Spagnuolo, stated in an announcement, “The decision to allow the return of RC to his owner was carefully reviewed and considered on review of police reports, veterinary reports, farrier information, and equine dental records provided by the owner. At 30+ years old, RC has spent the majority of his life with his owners, who are senior members of our community. When Animal Control and Horses’ Haven responded, one owner was hospitalized, and the other owner was providing care for their spouse at the hospital.”
A veterinarian visited RC inside one month, and a farrier simply 6 days earlier than the go to from Animal Management. RC had common biannual visits from an equine dentist. These visits confirmed that regardless of the superior age of the horses, the homeowners had been working towards getting correct care.”
Dvonch disagrees with this, saying she isn’t certain there’s something within the assertion that excuses RC going again to his proprietor.
“You can have a veterinarian out, and they can’t make you do what is right. They can’t make you do what they tell you to do. They can’t make you purchase and give the medication.”
Dvonch stated she is making an attempt to purchase the horse from its proprietor, however the supply has been declined. That proprietor is coming to select RC up quickly and Dvonch stated she is fearful.
“When he goes back to his owner, I feel very likely that he will die,” stated Dvonch.
The Prosecutor’s workplace reassures that officers will probably be monitoring the horse repeatedly, saying within the assertion, “Previous to decision, our workplace consulted with our Animal Management companions, who supported the plan, which included care instruction and common monitoring by Animal Management in his proprietor’s care. The homeowners will probably be topic to frequent visits from Animal Management and obtain in-depth instruction and training on caring for ageing horses. The proprietor has paid the prices for the care of RC offered by Horses’ Haven, so different horses can profit from their providers.
The assistant prosecutor who managed this case spent vital time making certain that RC has correct care transferring ahead. His proprietor has proven that he desires what’s greatest for RC and will probably be paying the price of the particular care beneath Animal Management’s oversight. Within the occasion Animal Management observes that the homeowners can not present RC with satisfactory care, Animal Management and this workplace will take applicable subsequent steps.”
Dvonch hopes that is the case.
“I can only trust that animal control will be checking on him often, ensuring the needs that the pony has are met and that they will call me the minute anything changes, and I will go run right back and pick him up,” stated Dvonch.
6 Information reached out to the unique proprietor of RC, who declined to remark.
