County searches for owners of horse who starved to death

The horse was found near Cedar River Elementary

By The Reporter staff • September 3, 2019 1:30 am
A 20-year-old, starving horse was found near Cedar River Elementary School died a few days after being picked up by the county. King County investigators are looking for the horse’s owners. Photo courtesy of King County.
A 20-year-old, starving horse was found near Cedar River Elementary School died a few days after being picked up by the county. King County investigators are looking for the horse’s owners. Photo courtesy of King County.

An old, starved horse was found slowly wandering near Maple Valley and now King County is trying to find its owners.

A press release sent by the Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) said the horse was found Friday morning, Aug. 30. The 20-year-old gelding was found by Maple Valley residents near Cedar River Elementary School at the 22400 block of Sweeney Road Southeast.

“It was in poor condition and had apparently been starved,” the RASKC release stated. “Animal control officers were able to safely impound the horse and take it to an equine veterinarian for evaluation and treatment.”

The horse died on Monday, Aug. 2, despite the veterinarian’s best efforts. The animal will be subject to a necropsy to determine the exact cause of death.

RASKC is asking residents to give more information about the animal’s owner, the horse’s identity or if there were any witnesses in the area Thursday night, Aug. 29, or Friday morning, Aug. 30. The horse had distinctive marking on the head and body, which could aid in the investigation into the horse’s identity.

Anyone with information should call 206-296-7387 or email pets@kingcounty.gov

A 20-year-old, starving horse was found near Cedar River Elementary School died a few days after being picked up by the county. King County investigators are looking for the horse’s owners. Photo courtesy of King County.

A 20-year-old, starving horse was found near Cedar River Elementary School died a few days after being picked up by the county. King County investigators are looking for the horse’s owners. Photo courtesy of King County.

A 20-year-old, starving horse was found near Cedar River Elementary School died a few days after being picked up by the county. King County investigators are looking for the horse’s owners. Photo courtesy of King County.

A 20-year-old, starving horse was found near Cedar River Elementary School died a few days after being picked up by the county. King County investigators are looking for the horse’s owners. Photo courtesy of King County.