Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Oleander Leaves Poson Horses

Horrible news out of Rancho Santa Fe in California where a barn full of prize saddle breds has apparently been poisoned by someone who mixed oleander leaves in with their feed. Oleander is fatal to horses and one was already "down" by the time the grooms discovered the leaves in the early morning hours.

Two of the sickest horses were rushed to the nearby equine hospital where they are expected to recover after intravenous treatment. The others were given charcoal to flush out the toxins and will be closely monitored.

Oleander is bitter and many horses will not eat it because of the taste. But clearly whoever did this knew that many would, especially if it was mixed in with their feed. It is apparent that whoever did this knew what they were doing.

How horrible! Many of the horses in the barns were champion saddle breds that were boarded at the facility. The owners claim they have no "enemies."

I hope that whoever did this is brought to justice swiftly. To think that there are those among us who would maim and kill innocent animals who were being well kept is beyond belief and truly gives one pause.

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