Animal lovers have galloped to the rescue of seven horses facing death because of financial woes.
The horses were the only animals remaining last month from a group of 47 seized in April by El Dorado County authorities at a ranch where they were suffering from neglect. Two weeks ago, the county and the nonprofit Grace Foundation of El Dorado Hills, where the animals were given sanctuary, said they could no longer afford to continue caring for them.
If they were unable to quickly find homes or financial support for the creatures, the county Department of Animal Services officials said, they would be forced to put the animals to death. Some of the horses have health problems or lack training, officials said.
But when the issue became public, offers of help poured in, said Tricia Esparza of the Grace Foundation.
"We got many, many, many phone calls of concern, people wanting to adopt them, people asking questions and offering donations," Esparza said. "My phone is still ringing."
Adoptions have been completed or are pending for four of the horses, she said. Dozens of people have volunteered to financially "sponsor" or "foster" the remaining animals, and the Grace Foundation has received hundreds of dollars in donations to help care for them.
Euthanasia, said Esparza, is now off the table.
County spokeswoman Margaret Williams said officials are "hopeful" that all of the animals now will be saved, but ideally would like all seven horses to find permanent homes.
"We rescued 47 animals, and we're down to just a couple, so this has been a success," she said. "The community has been wonderful."
Call The Bee's Cynthia Hubert, (916) 321-1082.
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