Protesters outraged over OSPCA’s response to check on emaciated horses

A group of protesters are outraged after the Ontario SPCA failed to show up for a planned check-up on two emaciated horses on Monday.

Pictures of three emaciated horses in Waterford, near Simcoe, were shared online by Natalie Tupper.

“It’s just hurtful to see, the people that are supposed to be the voice for these animals let them suffer. It doesn’t have to be like that,” said Tupper.

One of the horses was euthanized on the property by a vet who was called by the OSPCA on Saturday. It was buried on the farm.

Ward 7 councillor-elect Kim Huffman says she spoke to a representative from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs who said the horse that was buried on the property will have to be dug up.

“Its been determined that yes, that horse will need to be exhumed from the property, as it’s in a flood plain, its close to well water and it just doesn’t meet the criteria from a proper burial,” said Huffman.

The OSPCA says the horses in question are sick but that they have been receiving ongoing care from a veterinarian. But in a Facebook post that has since been deleted, the vet who was called by the organization to check up on the horses Saturday wrote, “We have had zero involvement in ongoing care over the last six months.”

The two remaining horses are being kept in the garage. Huffman was allowed inside Sunday night to see the animals. She says they have food and water, but are in bad shape, especially one of the horses who appears to be much skinnier than the other.

On Monday, the OSPCA said they couldn’t say when they would visit the property for the safety of their officers adding that, “there is quite an aggressive group stationed along the road”. The OPP confirming that the OSPCA wouldn’t attend at all Monday.

Related Stories: 

https://www.www.chch.com/growing-concern-for-horses-at-a-waterford-farm/

https://www.www.chch.com/outrage-in-waterford/