Ray Strieck and Kathy Richardson at Rusty Bar Ranch with their foster horse, “Bones,” whom they have nurtured back to health after his rescue for neglect.
	Margaret Mason operates Pegasus Program for at-risk youth, an after-school equine program, at her Fox Run Farm.

In the aftermath of last year's rescue of fifteen horses from Waller Rd. and the ensuing controversy, Pierce County Animal Control (PCAC ) is establishing a network of equine volunteers and professionals to assist with abused and neglected horses.

The first tangible piece of that support system is the formation of an Equine Task Force composed of eight citizens from throughout the county, including Tami Bollen and Debbie Dolittle of Eatonville, and Chuck Craft, a renowned horse whisperer who cares for over two dozens abused steeds at his facility in Gig Harbor.

This group has met several times since their organization was formed, and their role is seen as mostly advisory to Animal Control.

PCAC also is reviewing bids from local horse professionals to deliver Equine Rescue Management Services.  County officials say they envision this contract will create a pool of providers who can offer emergency interventions, boarding and care, transportation, coordination of veterinarian care, and assistance with the legal prosecution of abusers.

This month, seven finalists have been selected from nearly thirty initial applications. The newly-selected auditor, Jan Shabro, and her staff are conducting site visits this week before making final determinations. 

Several potential facilities are in south Pierce County, such as Rusty Bar Ranch in Roy. Another in Graham, the Pegasus Program, is a well-established after-school equine program for youth.

In addition, Dr. Linda Hagerman and her Tacoma Equine Hospital in Spanaway are being considered.  Hagerman is the vet who authorized the removal of thirteen of the Waller Rd. horses, and last month she appeared before the Pierce County Council to voice her concerns regarding another applicant, Hope for Horses of Woodinville, which was at the center of much of that rescue's controversy.

The other finalists are E&K Stables of Auburn, Jim and Carie Williams' Ranch, and SAFE (Save a Forgotten Equine), a small boarding facility in Silverdale currently fostering several rescued horses.

Donna Gale, the Waller Rd. horse owner whose alleged neglect and abuse necessitated the formation of this network, is currently under indictment on two counts of animal cruelty to horses known as Valor and Teddy Bear.  She is expected to appear in District Court March 4 to face those charges.

Rose Corey, the horsewoman who saved those two horses, and in doing so entered into a firestorm of political, bureaucratic and legal controversy, says she is "cautiously optimistic" at the formation of the Equine Rescue Management network.

As for the horses rescued, Tim Anderson, Animal Control Supervisor, said that all the horses have been released from county custody and have been adopted, except for six that remain with Hope for Horses and are in the adoption process, and one that is in foster care and awaiting adoption. One horse was euthanized.