Henry County transfers horse ownership to Animal Rescue League of Iowa

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County Board of Supervisors approved a motion at last week’s meeting to transfer the ownership four horses to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

Four horses located just outside of city limits became the property of Henry County following the conclusion of an animal neglect case July 3. Henry County Assistant Attorney Steve Giebelhausen stated that the court’s decision allowed for the county to take care of the horses however they saw fit.

According to Giebelhausen the Animal Rescue League of Iowa cared for the horses throughout the duration of the trial. With ownership transferred, the League intends to rehabilitate the horses and find them adoptive homes.

While the ruling did award the county costs from the respondent in the amount of $4,000, Giebelhausen doubts that money will be collectible from the respondent. He did state that the Animal Rescue League would work with the county when it came to finances, though.

“I want to give a public acknowledgment to Sergeant Garret Cargill and Deputy Cassandra Kraft,” Giebelhausen said. “They did an excellent job investigating this.”

According to Giebelhausen, Kraft and Cargill took the lead on contacting the state veterinarians and the Animal Rescue League. Their hard work included bringing in an expert to examine the horses, which Giebelhausen described as Mustangs.

“That expert determined the horses were neglected and we filed a petition with the court,” Giebelhausen explained. “This was all something new for the folks at the Sheriff’s Office. It was also something new for me.”

Giebelhausen said he had handled cases with cattle in the past, but not horses.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com