Molalla, Ore. (KGW) – Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts has apologized for the death of a miniature horse euthanized by a deputy who said it couldn’t stand and appeared “beyond medical help.”
Owner Crista Fitzgerald objected to the decision to put down the animal, described as about 35-years-old. She said the family pet had severe arthritis, which made it harder for the horse to get to its feet.
Roberts said Thursday in a statement that his officers should have taken other actions. He didn’t say what those were.
I grew up with horses and livestock in Clackamas County, and understand their profound value. We offer our sincere condolences to the Fitzgerald family. As detailed in the report, a judgment call was made in the field to humanely euthanize the animal; ultimately, other actions could and should have been taken. We made a mistake. We have approached the family about exploring ways to make this as right as we can. And we are examining our own procedures when dealing with this sort of situation in the future.
The horse got loose on Feb. 19.
The deputy who shot it said it was in highway traffic and wound up in a yard. He couldn’t find an owner. He said a veterinarian, a humane society officials and his sergeant and all concurred in his decision.
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Photo credit: CCSO
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