State issues guidance to camp staff following death of horse

STATEWIDE–The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) has concluded its investigation after a horse died at a Girl Scouts camp in rural Morgantown.

Veterinarians from BOAH completed an unannounced visit at Camp Gallahue on September 18 after receiving a complaint about two “very thin” horses and another that was deceased.

“No horses were present at the camp; all had been returned to the owner-contractor(s) who supplied the horses to the camp,” said Denise Derrer Spears, a spokesperson for BOAH, in an email to Indiana’s I-Team.  “BOAH veterinarians discussed with the camp’s site manager and program director the circumstances that generated the complaint.  Based on information provided, the caretaker was trying to manage the weight loss of the two horses at the center of the complaint.”

The cause of death for the third horse was attributed to an acute medical condition, Derrer Spears said.

“BOAH’s veterinarians provided guidance to the camp staff about the importance of involving professional veterinary care earlier, at the first sign of distress or illness in an animal,” said Derrer Spears. “Additionally, the owner-contractor should be contacted earlier to remove any horses that become ill or distressed.”

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health did not find any evidence of wrongdoing or violations, Derrer Spears said.

Veterinarians did not inspect the horses who had lost weight.

“When our veterinarians visited, the animals had already been returned to the owner/contractor, so they were not on-site to inspect,” said Derrer Spears.

The veterinarian will return for a recheck to see if progress is made (such as animals gaining weight or an injury is healing or proof that a private veterinarian is providing treatment), according to BOAH.

“If acceptable progress has been made, the case may be closed,” said Derrer Spears. “If progress is not sufficient, the veterinarian will plan another revisit or charges could be brought.”

The Brown County Animal Control accompanied veterinarians with Indiana BOAH.

Animal control officer Billie Grimes-Watson referred questions to Denise Derrer Spears.

Concerned citizens contacted Indiana’s I-Team after photos circulated online showing a dead horse and other horses that appeared to be in poor condition at the camp in Brown County.

The camp’s website states that scouts can ride horses at the barn and includes a request for supplies for the animals.

Circle City Broadcasting obtained photos of horses at the camp from a source who asked to remain anonymous.

Lauren Palmer, director of communications for Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, said in an email, “We were saddened by the passing of a horse at Camp Gallahue due to an unexpected illness.”

Palmer said the Girl Scouts worked with the horses’ owner to ensure the remaining animals received veterinary care as soon as the organization learned about the situation. A local provider owns the horses and leases them to the camp.

“As a precaution, all horse programming for the remainder of the season has been cancelled while we assess next steps,” Palmer said in the email.

About The Author

See author's posts