Carol Barnes, Island County animal control officer, seized two emaciated horses from North Whidbey. She’s started a fund to help care for horses and other animals in the future. - --
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Carol Barnes, Island County animal control officer, seized two emaciated horses from North Whidbey. She’s started a fund to help care for horses and other animals in the future.

Fund opened to help Whidbey’s farm animals

By JESSIE STENSLAND
Whidbey News Times Assistant editor
August 14, 2012 · Updated 2:44 PM 

Whidbey Island’s animal control officer is asking animal lovers to donate to a fund dedicated to helping abused or neglected farm animals.

Animal Control Officer Carol Barnes said she recently served a search warrant and seized two horses from a North Whidbey man after determining that the animals were being denied adequate food, nutrition and veterinarian care.

The mare and gelding appeared emaciated and malnourished. Barnes said she’s investigating the case which may result in animal cruelty charges.

The horses are currently at a secret location and are doing OK.

“Thanks to Robert Moody, the large animal vet, and his staff for their care and compassion,” Barnes said.

The trouble, she said, is that the county doesn’t have any program or funding to care for horses or other large animals that have to be taken away from owners.

Barnes has set up a fund at Whidbey Island Bank. It’s called the WI Farm Animal Assistance Program. Donations are currently not tax deductible, but Barnes is working on filing the paperwork for nonprofits.

“Fortunately, we have a great number of animal lovers here on Whidbey Island,” she said.

 

Contact Whidbey News Times Assistant editor Jessie Stensland at jstensland@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360.675.6611 ext. 5056.

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