Pierce Co. dips into rainy day fund to care for horses
Oct 17, 2012, 3:05 PM | Updated: 6:10 pm
Pierce County has dipped into a rainy day fund to pay for the care of 39 horses seized from a property near Graham. (Photo: Twitter)
(Photo: Twitter)
The owner of 39 horses seized from a residence near Graham has filed a petition to have them returned. Meanwhile, Pierce County officials have dipped into a rainy day fund to pay for their care.
John Diller will have to prove that the horses will not suffer future neglect or abuse.
“The burden of proof is on him to prove, with evidence not promises, that he is able to take care of all of these horses and that they won’t suffer any harm by being returned,” said Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson.
A hearing is scheduled for Nov. 1.
The horses were seized from a property near the 30800 block of Meridian East on Sept. 26 after federal authorities discovered what they believed to be a breeding operation.
“Think puppy mill, but for horses,” said Det. Ed Troyer with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office. “The conditions are deplorable. I don’t think any living thing should live like these horses are. They’re standing in a foot deep of manure. It doesn’t look like any of their stalls have been cleaned. They’re caged up. It’s just not right.”
According to Pierce County Animal Control, many of the horses had medical issues and some were very thin.
“They’re all progressing,” said Anderson. “They’re all in a better state than when we found them and they’re certainly living in a better place.”
The seizure was the largest of its kind that the agency had ever undertaken. Anderson said while they oppose the horses being returned to their owner, taxpayers are footing the bill for their care. Her office has set aside $40,000 from a contingency fund to provide food, shelter and veterinary care.
“Taxpayers really can’t afford this,” she said. “A seizure of this size is not something that you budget for and it’s not something that you expect.
Should the horses be surrendered to the county, the auditor’s office will begin a public adoption process following any criminal proceedings.
To date, the public has donated $9,000 to help care for the animals. Those wishing to help should visit PierceCountyWA.org, or send a check to the Pierce County Auditor’s Office at 2401 S. 35th St. #200, Tacoma, WA 98409.
Messages left at Mr. Diller’s residence and with his attorney Wednesday were not immediately returned.
