FORT WAYNE – A woman taking a morning walk found two horses in Johnny Appleseed Park early Thursday.
The woman called police at 7:13 a.m. when she saw a gelding and filly eating grass inside the park. The horses were skittish but eventually responded to offers of food from officers, Animal Care & Control Director Belinda Lewis said.
After 30 minutes, animal control realized no one was actively looking for the horses.
“Unfortunately it looks as if they may have been abandoned in the park,” Lewis said. “Both of these animals were in need of obvious care.”
Lewis said the horses are being evaluated by a veterinarian but have an apparent upper respiratory infection.
Officers tried to gradually catch the horses after using food to lure them close, Lewis said. The horses were nervous and wouldn’t allow officers to place halters or other restraints on them, she said.
Officers from the Fort Wayne Police Department and Allen County Sheriff’s Department responded to help.
A group of 25 people used orange snow fencing to gently walk the horses back to a confined area of the park near Memorial Coliseum, Lewis said. Ropes and halters were then placed on the horses, which were taken by trailer to an undisclosed location where they’re being boarded.
It took officers more than two hours to secure the horses.
“At this time, they’re being held as legal strays,” Lewis said. “We’re hoping that someone will step forward as owners or that somebody who recognizes the horses will identify who the owners may be.”
Indiana and city laws make it illegal for pet owners to abandon unwanted pets.
Animal control will legally hold the stray horses for three business days. If someone comes forward with proof of ownership, animal control will investigate and possibly restore rights to the owner, Lewis said. The horses will be put up for adoption or will be placed with a rescue if an owner doesn’t come forward.
This was the first time in Lewis’ 23 years with animal control where the horses’ owners weren’t actively trying to find them, she said.
“It doesn’t really matter what kind of animal it is. If it’s an animal within the city and is in need of our assistance it’s our responsibility,” she said. “I’m very appreciative for the city and county responding to our call because we couldn’t have done this on our own.”
