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18 Horses In Poor Health Seized From Property In Morrison

A rescued horse in Jefferson County
A rescued horse in Jefferson County (credit: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office)

MORRISON, Colo. (CBS4) - Jefferson County Sheriff's Office investigators and animal control officers seized 18 horses from owners of a property in Morrison on Wednesday.

The property owners claimed they were running a Paso Fino horse rescue operation at the property located at 17346 Forest Avenue.

Authorities said in a statement that there had been an on-going investigation of suspected mistreatment of the horses.

"Since 2001 they have received four verbal warnings and seven state warnings regarding the health of the horses on their property," Mark Techmeyer with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said.

Techmeyer said Veterinarians from Timberline Equine Veterinary Services assessed the horses and determined that the horses were in poor condition and had significant health issues.

A rescued horse in Jefferson County
A rescued horse in Jefferson County (credit: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office)

"The veterinarians suggested there was overwhelming evidence to support the seizure of all 18 horses on the property," he said.

The horses were taken to Harmony Equine in Parker.

"Those responsible for the care of the horses face a multitude of possible charges to include misdemeanor cruelty to animals."

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