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Jefferson County Horse Council
DENVER, COLORADO (KMGH Denver) - At least 100 horses and 75 alpacas and llamas are now getting free room and board at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds as the Lower North Fork Fire continues to burn.
So far, the animals are in good shape, as area veterinarians offer free health care and screenings for the large, valuable livestock.
“We’ve been really fortunate. The only thing we’ve got right now is just minor cuts and bruises,” said Barb Suggs, operations manager at the fairgrounds.
“It’s phenomenal,” said Paul Schneider, owner of two Mustangs from the Deer Creek Canyon area near Chatfield reservoir. “I think we can get back to our house. I don’t think the roads are blocked. So we’ll probably go back and get another round of stuff and then just kind of assess the situation.”
Volunteers are staffing the shelter, cleaning the stalls and providing free food and water.
So far, they estimate there are at least 100 horses plus another 75 alpacas and/or llamas being cared for.
The Jefferson County Horse Council is accepting monetary donations but volunteers tell 7NEWS they don’t need additional supplies at this point.
Residents that can’t transport their animals to the shelter can arrange for a free ride through the sheriff’s department or animal control.
But 7NEWS saw one resident refuse a ride for her horse that been arranged with the Front Range Animal Evacuation Team.
Two Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies said “several” residents had also refused their offer of free transportation.
They said there was “no guarantee” that, if called back, rescue crews would be able to access the area a second time, given how quickly wildfires can change direction and grow.
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Updated 447 days ago Article ID# 1523646
Jefferson County Horse Council
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