Volunteers Step up for Lubbock Horse Hurt in Pit Bull Attack

Volunteers Help Horses Hurt in Pit Bull Attack
Lubbock, TX - Pepper Jack the miniature horse came home to a clean stable earlier this week. Volunteers helped wash blood out of horse stalls and put down new bedding for the 5-year-old Hearts and Hooves therapy horse -- one of four horses to recently survive a pit bull attack.

Hearts and Hooves is a nonprofit organization that brings miniature horses indoors to people who need therapeutic healing. Kim Sparks, one of the horses' owners, said Honor, the horse who suffered the most severe injuries, has been moved from the Frenship Veterinary Hospital in Wolfforth to be with Sparkles and Jolly at a Littlefield veterinary facility. Sparks is unsure how long her horses will be hospitalized.

Once the animals are sent home, Sparks said they will be transferred to a local groomer -- the horses' wounds must be rinsed for 15 minutes twice a day before the application of an antiseptic ointment to promote healing. Sparks said doctors have not yet given her an estimate on how expensive the horses' treatment will be.

Several Lubbock-area residents have donated money to help. Sparks said Hearts and Hooves has a $500 credit at the Littlefield veterinary hospital thanks to the generosity of the Littlefield community. In addition, Security State Bank has raised more than $3,000 to be put toward the horses' recovery.

Hearts and Hooves also needs in-kind donations of blankets and towels. For more information or to donate, e-mail: hh_lubbock_vetfund@minisandfriends.org.

Related article:
03/21/08: Pit Bull Epidemic in Lubbock, Texas (Jan-Mar 2008)

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