Horse’s conditions investigated

One horse is dead and three others are in suspect condition at a farm along the Mayo Road, the Star has learned.

One horse is dead and three others are in suspect condition at a farm along the Mayo Road, the Star has learned.

A spokesman with the territorial agricultural branch confirmed the situation this morning.

Argologist Matt Ball said he went to the Circle P Ranch Wednesday after receiving a public complaint that morning.

In one pasture, he discovered the dead horse, three others in seemingly poor condition and five looking in normal condition.

“I am seeking right now to take a large livestock vet out there with me to make a full assessment of the condition of the three horses and to determine the cause of death of the one horse,” Ball said.

He emphasized the owners of the Circle P had simply rent out the pasture, and are not responsible for the horses’ care, as they’re not even in town at the moment.

The nine horses are owned by up to three individuals, the identities of whom Ball is still trying to confirm.

He said the owner of some of the horses who appear to be in good shape has volunteered to take all the horses to another ranch to ensure proper feeding.

“It is good to know the horses will be taken care of but we are still going to follow up on the complaint and get a vet out there today to score the horses.”

Until more is known of the circumstances, it’s unclear whether there will be charges or a formal investigation under the territory’s Animal Protection Act, Ball said.

No names are being released at this time, he said.

It was almost 20 years ago that the discovery of sick and starving horses belonging to a Yukon outfitter sparked the resurgence of the Humane Society Yukon, which had previously fallen dormant.