Teddy Bear is improving slowly.

The fifteen abused and neglected horses rescued this month from a squalid mud patch on Waller Rd. in Summit are improving, officials say.  Hope for Horses and Pierce County Animal Control began pulling these horses out of a three-acre lot Dec. 31 (see The Dispatch, Jan. 16).  The two most severely affected horses, a stallion with an acute genital infection and a young foal with bone and joint dysfunction, are being treated at a horse farm in the Graham area.

"The stallion has gained over 70 lbs. in two weeks," said Rose Corey, who is supervising the two horses' care.  "The little guy is holding his own, but he has a lot of medical issues."

The stallion, nicknamed "Valor," also has behavioral problems.  Although attentive and responsive to handlers when on a rein, alone in a pasture he appeared angry, braying in harsh, guttural tones and stomping the ground.

The foal, nicknamed "Teddy Bear," has an improved gait and can now walk or run short distances without noticeable pain.  Nevertheless, his belly is distended from worms and he refuses to eat grain.  Teddy Bear is extremely skittish around humans, but he is being socialized with an older pasture-mate,"Rico."

The other thirteen horses are being tended by Hope for Horses' equine foster care facilities in Snohomish County.

"They're doing well," said Jenny Edwards, director of Hope for Horses. "They are settling in, and a vet has seen them all.  Their feet are a little ouchy, though."

Edwards explained that the thirteen horses have been affected by the chronic conditions of mud and water at the Waller Rd. site, which had no dry shelter.

"They all have infections in their hooves," Edwards said, "and most have abscesses.  Many of the horses are lame, but their attitude is good and so is their behavior."

A political storm is gathering concerning the rescue of these horses, and the perceived delays in getting help.

"I can't tell you how many times I called Animal Control about these horses in the weeks leading up to the rescue," said Corey.  "I called over and over, and many others - neighbors, and people who care about these horses - called for months, even years.  Why did it take so long?" [CORRECTION: Ms Corey did not call Animal Control. It was neighbors and concerned citizens]

One of the reasons may have been inadequate state and county regulations that do not clearly indicate when authorities can remove horses and other livestock against an owner's wishes.

"We're looking to address those concerns," said Pat McCarthy, Pierce County Auditor, and, as of the past year, the county official most responsible for animal well-being.  "We are looking very closely at what regulations should be in place to ensure adequate care for horses and other animals, and we will be making recommendations to the Council on how to revise County Code."

Hope for Horses' Edwards says that criticism of the Pierce County Animal Control office is unfair. "They are the most responsive, the best supervised and the best organized department in the whole state," she said.  Edwards also claimed that the legalities of stepping in and taking someone's animals are very difficult, "but we all want what's best for these horses.".