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| 11/18/2009 8:56:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Emaciated horses found at Elbe Hills
by Judith East
KOMO4 News reported Sunday that a hunter came across five severely malnourished, cold and injured horses in the Elbe Hills area north of Hwy. 7 between Elbe and Ashford.
Terry Cairns of Enumclaw who, with his wife Twyla, keeps horses with a relative in Buckley, found the shivering animals on Saturday, Nov. 7. He called Twyla and asked her to bring their horse trailer to Elbe Hills.
"We had three choices," said Twyla to The Dispatch on Nov. 16. "We could shoot them, walk away, or bring them home. Terry would only consider one choice - that's just the way he is."
When Twyla arrived with the trailer, the horses were eager to be led into it. The combined weight of the five refugees was about the same as two of the Cairn's healthy horses, she said.
Some other hunters later told Terry they had seen the abandoned horses in the area for about two weeks.
One of the horses was in such bad shape, it had to be put down.
KOMO4 News speculated that the previous owner was in dire financial shape and resorted to leaving the horses on their own to avoid the cost of caring for them.
Ripley's Horse Aid Foundation has provided enough hay for about two months. More would be appreciated, plus horse blankets and volunteer veterinary care. Two farriers have checked the horses' hooves. One 15-year-old horse foundered after eating too eagerly upon rescue.
Twyla Cairns was frustrated that when she called Pierce County Animal Control for advice and help on the first day, she was not given the contact information for Ripley's Horse Aid Foundation or three organizations contracted with the county to help in such circumstances. She was merely told to contact a brand inspector. Cairn thought that perhaps the euthanized horse might have been saved otherwise.
The survivors can be adopted, and one or two offers have come to the Cairns. If you are interested or can help, contact the Cairns at terrytwyla2@comcast.net or write to PMB 227-718 Griffin Ave., Enumclaw, WA 98022.
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