Seized horses in Black Forest animal cruelty case, recovering nearly one year later
An incredible recovery in an animal abuse case. It’s a story KRDO first broke September 2014.
Ten horses and four llamas were found alive among 14 carcasses in a barn in Black Forest. How and when the 14 horses died remains unclear. The owner, Sherri Brunzell was charged last week with abusing horses under her care and sentenced to 60 days in jail and five years of supervised probation.
Now, nearly one year after they were discovered in dire straits, the horses’ manes are thicker than ever and their appetites are back to normal. But it’s the look on their faces that tells it all.
“You can tell by the look of their eye that I’ve seen. It’s really really amazing. I’ve been in tears of joy,” said C.T. Babcock.
When the horses were rescued, skin and bone were visible on many including, the famous show horse Dual Peppy. He weighed 903 pounds. Now he weighs 1,056.
“They gained anywhere from 100 to 200-plus pounds. Their hooves are in much better shape. Their teeth, they’re able to eat without pain,” said Jacqueline Kirby with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
Eight of the horse have been treated, fed and properly cared for. Brunzell was acquitted of charges on two of the horses and four llamas, they will be sent to a new home.
The remaining eight horses have been in the hands of the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center.
A relief for the man who sold Dual Peppy to Brunzell.
“The emotional side of it that they had to endure, the starvation and watching their barn mates die and everything else these poor horses had to go through. To see them come through like they have and see the body conditions and seeing them healthy again is stellar,” said Babcock.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is working to find homes for the animals through adoption.
“That is a goal to find a reputable rescue and we are vetting those with experts in the field locally. We’re using every resource we have to make sure these horses are taken care of,” said Kirby.
Babcock simply wants his prize horse back.
“I want him back home here. I want to give him the lifestyle he deserves and the one he earned,” said Babcock.
The Sherriff’s Office won’t set a definitive date for the adoptions because the horses are still in recovery.
Brunzell is not allowed to own or care for horses or any other livestock while on probation.
