Update on Abandoned Animals
By: Liz Bryant
Updated: May 13, 2010
Three horses and two burros were taken from a property in Cherokee County this past weekend.
Two horses were found dead when officials arrived at the scene.
A nearby neighbor told authorities the owners had moved away two years ago, leaving the animals behind.
Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves says he talked with one of the owners and asked them to find care for the neglected livestock.
When that did not happen, he moved the animals to a Baxter Springs ranch.
Once the animals are back in good health they will be put up for adoption.
The sheriff's office has completed their investigation.
It is now up to the Cherokee County Attorney's Office to decide if charges will be filed.
Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves says, "if folks find themselves in a situation where they have horses or other animals where they aren't able to provide for them any longer. We would just assume them contact us or their local veterinarian. Somebody's going to be able to turn them onto the right resources. There's plenty of people who do want to care for these animals. "
Groves says the owners could be charged with animal cruelty and failure to dispose of the two dead animals properly under Kansas law.
