In Memory of Vital Galaxy!
In Loving Memory of Vital Galaxy AKA: "Not Euthanized"
We are very saddened this day to bring the unfortunate news that Not Euthanized passed away today (July 30th, 2004). He had been given the very best chances to survive - but the damage to his body that occurred was to great to revert. Our hearts will morn for him.
An investigation into his passing is underway. A local university is studying the causes and we a hoping that justice will be served. We don't ever want to see things like this happen - they don't have to. We must not be silent and watch this occur in our communities. If you see an animal abuse case in progress - report it to your local authorities! Stop animal cruelty now!
Owner of dead horse could face charges
Jordana Mishory
The Arizona Republic
Aug. 3, 2004 12:00 AM
A south Phoenix woman could face a felony charge after her 8-year-old racehorse died nearly 500 pounds underweight.
Vital Galaxy, whose last known race was four years ago in New Mexico, died in his sleep Thursday despite nearly a week of intensive care at Chaparral Animal Hospital in northeast Phoenix.
Investigators suspect the owner, whose name was not released, of abusing the horse.
The owner contacted Horse Rescue of North Scottsdale two weeks ago, seeking to have the horse put to sleep, said Holly Marino, founder of the Scottsdale horse-care group.
Marino said the owner indicated she didn't want to pay for a veterinarian to treat the bacterial fungus infection on the horse's legs and ankles.
The owner could be charged if an examination of the horse shows it died because of negligence or abuse, said Larry Ellis, an investigator with the Animal Cruelty Unit of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
The Animal Services Division of the Arizona Department of Agriculture is conducting the animal-cruelty investigation with the assistance of the Sheriff's Office. Animal Services Division officials declined to comment.
Marino said the horse's body was taken to Tucson for examination.
The Arizona Department of Racing cannot prosecute the horse's owner because the horse was no longer racing in Arizona, said Geoffrey Gonsher, department director. However, his department is working closely with the investigation, he said.
Vital Galaxy last raced in 2000 in New Mexico before he was sold to a private owner, Gonsher said. Complete racing records were not immediately available.
Help Stop Animal Cruelty!
The Story:
This Horse was found near death in south phoenix this afternoon. The horses owner originally called Chaparral Animal Hospital and told them that they wanted the horse EUTHANIZED - but couldn't afford it. The hospital referred the owner to Holly Marion with the Horse Rescue of North Scottsdale.
 |
 |
Holly stepped into action and called her hauler (Sam Farina) and asked him to go to south Phoenix due to the extreme heat today! When Holly and Sam arrived - they were notified that the horse had been on the ground since Sunday! The horse could not get up because it was suffering from starvation, dehydration, fever, and a serious infection in it's leg.
|
Holly immediately took the horse to the Veterinarians at Chaparral Animal Hospital where they started treatment for dehydration and infection. Holly states "I don't know if were going to be able to save this horse... but I am hoping with lots of prayers and good medical care that we can get the care that this horse needs."
|
Holly knew that the medical treatment would be expensive and donations are still encouraged and are being accepted.
|
These are pictures of the "Not Euthanized" showing the excessive starvation!
|
These pictures clearly show the leg infection - please help this poor horse!
|
Have you ever seen a more deserving or loving horse?
If you are interested in helping or need more information on horse rescue - contact us.
|
