Couple in southwest Manitoba charged with abusing horse

In a tragic turn of events, an elderly horse rescued from a paddock in Melita had to be put down.

An RCMP officer found the 35-year-old Appaloosa mare, Foxy Lady, starving in a field off of Highway 256 South April 6.

Cst. Kristin Foreman said the horse was in clear need of help, and had no food, water or shelter in sight.

“I could tell Foxy was in distress and starving,” Cst. Foreman said. “Her bones were protruding and she was not doing well.”

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With the help of nearby residents, Cst. Foreman had the mare brought to Virden for emergency veterinary care.

“She was so small and so sick. There was nothing nearby that she needed for her survival,” Cst. Foreman said.

“My duty is to assist anyone in distress, so that’s what I did.”

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An investigation was launched, and Foxy Lady’s owners were charged with several offences under the Animal Care Act.

Sadly, on April 25, several vets made the decision to put the mare down due to her severe health complications.

RCMP said further charges may be pending.

The information was shared on social media via Twitter.