A herd of some 30 horses, just south of the town of Scott, near Wilkie, do not appear to be being fed by their owners. The horses are pawing their way through the snow cover to get to the dry summer grass underneath.
The Unity/Wilkie/Macklin RCMP report for Dec. 12 to 31, 2013, included the following statement: "Report of possible neglect to livestock reported near Scott. SPCA contacted and assisting in investigation."
The Saskatchewan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, based in Saskatoon, has confirmed there is an ongoing investigation but, due to confidentiality issues, were unable to provide any details regarding the investigation, not even the number of animals possibly in distress.
Sgt. Grant Rusk, detachment commander of the Unity/Wilkie/Macklin detachments, also confirmed they have the matter currently under investigation, in conjunction with the SPCA. He added, "We are engaged in an investigation of causing unnecessary suffering to animals under section 445 of the Criminal Code. A conviction for this offence could result in fines up to $10,000 or a term of imprisonment for up to five years."
Approximately 30 horses were out on the top of the hill on the south side of the valley south of Scott Jan. 17, in a biting winter wind. There was no shelter and the horses were pawing at the snow, eating whatever they could uncover. There was no sign of any hay in the area the horses were in.
Although the horses had moved out of the wind from the top of the hill, down into the shelter of the valley south of Scott, Jan. 22, from the road there was still no sign of any hay having been fed to them.
These same horses were reported to be in distress in April, 2013, due to their malnourished condition and frostbite damage on a foal.
The extended winter and unexpectedly large amounts of snow last spring created issues for a number of farmers in trying to reach livestock with feed and water.
At the time, veterinarian Travis Ducherer of the Unity Vet Clinic said when there is a lot of snow, horses "can't dig enough to keep their body condition. They may be able to stay alive but " To care for malnourished animals, among other things, he recommended ensuring an unlimited hay supply so the animals can eat free choice.
