Pierce County Auditor Jan Shabro, left, and Deputy Auditor Deryl McCarty toured horse facilities last week in preparation for developing an equine rescue network.

Accompanied by members from the newly-formed Equine Task Force and her Animal Control staff, Pierce County Auditor Jan Shabro toured area equine facilities last week to assess them for inclusion in an equine rescue network. 

Also in attendance were Deputy Auditor Deryl McCarty and Joyce McDonald, newly-elected Pierce County Councilmember from District 2, representing East Tacoma, South Hill and areas north.

First stop on the tour was Dr. Linda Hagerman's Tacoma Equine Hospital on 156th St. and Waller Rd.  Although her pasture and stabling areas are relatively limited, her facilities possess advanced surgical equipment, including hoists, transfer capabilities and padded recovery stalls.

Last year, Dr. Hagerman was instrumental in the rescue of fifteen horses from a two-acre mud pit in Summit, which precipitated the need for a county-wide rescue network

Also on the tour schedule was Fox Run Farm in Graham and Rusty Bar Ranch in Roy.

"The exact composition of the network, such as how many facilities would be included and what type, has not been determined," McCarty said during the Hagerman stop.