Jeffrey
TUARAN (Nov 20): The condition of the two horses that were reported in bad shape in October this year had improved.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said a re-evaluation conducted on October 23, this year, found significant improvement on the horses, with the thin one gaining 30 kilogrammes in weight and the injured horse recovering, albeit still under private veterinary care.
“The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Tuaran plans weekly visits for the next three months to ensure ongoing improvement in horse care management and health,” he said in a statement on Monday.
Jeffrey said an animal abuse complaint (on the horses) was lodged at the DVS Sabah website (https://welfare.davetsa.sabah.gov.my/) on September 28, this year, highlighting “neglect, mistreatment, health issues, and swollen legs, leading to severe malnutrition of two horses that were housed in that particular stable.”
“An enforcement unit from DVS Tuaran observed injuries on two horses and a thin horse during an inspection on October 2, 2023. One of the horses was severely thin with a body score of less than 3/5. The manager of the horse stable explained that this horse was having a chronic liver problem. The other horse had a wound on both its forelimbs,” he said.
He added that the horse stable manager received a 14-day Improvement Notice, and a follow-up visit was scheduled after 14 days to ensure the horses’ well-being.
“On October 23, 2023, a re-evaluation showed significant improvement, with the thin horse gaining 30kg in weight and the injured horse recovering, albeit still under private veterinary care.”
“DVS Tuaran plans weekly visits for the next three months to ensure ongoing improvement in horse care management and health,” he said.