Cheyenne under treatment after rescue from nailed shut stall

Kathleen Schurman, farm animal rescuer in Bethany with Cheyenne, a Paint horse that had been confined to a muddy stall in Bethany for two years. At right is her dog Ragano who often keeps the rescued animals company. Cheyenne has severely overgrown hooves and is missing fur in the areas that had been caked with mud before Kathleen began to clean her up. Mara Lavitt/New Haven Register

This is an update to the story of Bethany mare Cheyenne who was rescued from a nailed shut stall and found standing in two to three feet of feces and urine. She was the only animal in the barn area, authorities say.

Bridget Albert, reporting for the New Haven Register writes:

The horse was treated by veterinarian Stacy Golub Friday. Local horse rescuer Kathleen Schurman was with Golub and said Cheyenne got a good physical exam and her overgrown hooves were addressed. The horse had trouble walking Thursday, falling several times.

“Her feet were partially trimmed. She took about three inches off the front. We’re going to let her get used to walking, and, next week, have the farrier finish them,” Schurman said. “We need to do this gradually. She hasn’t walked in over a year.”

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“When she walks, she shakes and her heart rate goes way up, which is a sign of distress,” Schurman said.

What first grabs attention is the nature and length of abuse and neglect, but that is soon replaced by reports of the mare’s resiliency and courage. Despite all the pain the horse is in, Cheyenne remains good-natured Schurman says.

“Her disposition is lovely. She let us do everything we wanted,” Schurman said. And she loves (horse) cookies and her favorite flavor is peppermint. The horse most enjoyed being around other horses, Schurman noted.

Why have authorities failed to arrest anyone?

Law enforcement officials have not identified the owners of the horse. However, Merriman said the horse’s owner told authorities they meant to clean the stall. The horse did have water, although it was dirty, and there was hay in the barn but not next to the animal, officials said.

So law enforcement have spoken with Cheyenne’s owners but are not releasing their identity. Does this mean they will not be pressing charges?

Surely any interpretation of the local animal cruelty statute must make the inhumane treatment of Cheyenne a crime.

Contributions to assist with the medical care for Cheyenne can be sent to Woodbridge Animal Control, 135 Bradley Road, Woodbridge, CT 06525.