Updated Febrary 21, 2012:
The Park County Sheriff’s Office Code Enforcement Division continued to monitor the horses at the Echo Valley Ranch in Northern Park County throughout the weekend.
The horses in question were moved to an undisclosed location in Park County Sunday afternoon. The Sheriff’s Office felt this was necessary to avoid any complications that could arise and insure the safety of everyone involved.
The horses are being cared for and receiving medical treatment. At present we do not know if their condition is due to an illness of some kind, neglect, or combination of both.
There has been a lot of miss-information about this case. We would respectfully request that everyone allow the investigation to proceed. The Park County Sheriff’s Office is working with the Colorado State University, local vets and the Colorado State Vet’s Office to determine the cause of the horse’s severe medical condition. Ron Swift the owner of the horses has been cooperative with our investigation. We hope to have more information next week.
Original Press Release:
The Park County Sheriff’s Office received information about possibly abused horses at the Echo Valley Ranch in Northern Park County.
Code Enforcement deputies responded to the Ranch. Upon investigation and after conferring with the State Veterinarian’s Office and three other Vets it was decided it is in the best interest of the horses to leave them at Echo Valley Ranch and continue their treatment regiment at that location. We concur with the recommendation of those veterinarians
We will continue to monitor the situation including visiting the horses every other day. Our Code Enforcement Division is very experienced and well trained in dealing with these types of situations. The case is under investigation by the Park County Sheriff’s Office.
Contact Information:
Undersheriff Monte Gore
Office (719)836-4102
Cell (719)839-1181