BILLINGS – The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a complaint of animal cruelty involving several horses.
Sheriff Mike Linder confirmed Monday that his agency has started an investigation and that animal control and a deputy have been assigned to the case.
The case got some traction on social media over the weekend with photos posted on the “Billings Neighborhood Watch” page showing several horses with ribs showing and in what appeared to be poor health.
Posted by Lora Letasky on Sunday, October 21, 2018
Linder said they are working with the owner to get the horses food. He said they have also been in touch with a rescue group to see about some assistance or perhaps taking one or two of the horses.
“We are also looking at possible cruelty charges,” Linder said in the email to Q2 News.
He did not provide a location of where the horses are being kept or identify the owner.
Linder said cases such as these do take time and their first move is to work with the owner to find a solution.
“Right now, the owner is having a tough time make ends meet and we are trying to help,” Linder told Q2 News. “Some things have been done in this case to help but we are looking for a long-term solution. We deal with these types of situations regularly. We will likely see more as we get closer to winter. I do not feel shining the spotlight on the incident that is getting the Facebook attention is appropriate. We will continue to work with the owner towards a solution that is good for the horses.”
— story by Andrea Lutz – MTN News
