BEATRICE – Gage County’s top prosecutor Wednesday sought to dispel rumors about the condition of horses seized in an investigation this year into alleged mistreatment….at veterinary clinics in Pickrell and Beatrice.


Sheriff Millard Gustafson says the animals rescued have been doing well…something backed up by Gage County Attorney Roger Harris. Harris said disposition of the animals is a matter that has been pending.


"Contrary to the rumor mill which has been making its way across Facebook, we have made no decisions on that. I hope people can calm down. The horses are safe. Gus takes them out once a week and rides them, and everything's fine. I'll just leave it at that, because it is an ongoing criminal investigation. I just wanted to dispel a horrible bunch of rumors going around. We got a lot of good people working on it, including the deputies who are still investigating stuff."


Harris says the matter is in the discovery stage of a litigation going on in the courts. A hearing was scheduled Wednesday afternoon on a petition for disposal of the seized animals, but it has now been rescheduled for January 18th. (3pm)


Last September, Gustafson said the county had received generous donations as large as $10,000 to assist in the county impounding the animals and taking care of them, including covering veterinary bills.


The veterinarian who had the animals in her possession was earlier cited for several counts of alleged neglect.


Several horses seized in the investigation of veterinary clinics in Beatrice and Pickrell have been cared for at Epona Horse Rescue, in Crete.  Gustafson submitted a report to the county board Wednesday that indicated the 39 horses seized are healthy and gaining weight….and that donations of hay and feed continue to come in.

(Photo: Gage County Sheriff's Office)
(Photo: Gage County Sheriff's Office)