Jefferson County wants to give you a jackass

Want a horse? How about sixteen of them -- plus a donkey? If so, representatives of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office would like to bend your ear. The JCSO has been awarded ownership of the animals, which were formerly the property of John McCulley, who's been charged with 38 counts of animal neglect and one count of felony animal cruelty. Fortunately, these seventeen trotters are in much better health today than they were in May, when McCulley was busted, and while some have what are described as "special needs," they're ready for a new home a lot more welcoming than their last one. They range from Mantis, a twelve-year-old male quarter-horse, to Sonar, the twenty-something burro seen above.

Click "Continue" to read a press release about the adoption process, complete with a link to a JCSO website featuring more details and photos of the animals in question.

Jeffco Sheriff's Office seeks homes for horses

Jefferson County, Co. -- Sixteen horses and one donkey seized by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office during an animal neglect investigation are now available for adoption.

The Sheriff's Office recently received a court order granting it ownership of the animals, although the court case is still pending. The animals' former owner -- John McCulley -- is charged with 38 counts of animal neglect and one count of felony animal cruelty.

In May of this year deputies responded to the residence at 12601 W. 82nd Ave. after receiving reports that a live horse was being dragged by its head and neck behind a truck. Deputies found the injured and emaciated horse behind an outbuilding on the property. The horse had to be put down. While investigating the incident, deputies noticed that other horses on the property appeared to be malnourished and in poor condition, and they took custody of the animals. This was the second time in two years that horses had to be removed from this address due to grave concerns about their health.

The horses have responded well to the care they have received from Animal Control officers, as well as veterinarians, farriers and others in the local equestrian community. "It is my hope that people in the horse community will step forward to provide loving homes for all of the animals," said Animal Control Manager Carla Zinanti. "Many of these horses have trust issues and will need patient and consistent training. Some apparently have never been haltered or ridden. Others have special needs and may require additional care."

Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest to Jefferson County Animal Control by August 28, 2009 via email at [email protected] or ATTN: Horse Adoption, 700 Jefferson County Parkway, #160, Golden, CO, 80401. Animal control officers will conduct site visits and interviews with potential adopters to determine a good placement. If more than one person is interested in a particular horse, names will be drawn from a hat. An $18 Brand Inspection fee is required to take ownership of the animal, along with a donation to the Table Mountain Animal Center to help offset the cost associated with bringing these animals back to health.

Please visit our Web site at www.jeffcosheriff.com to view photos and details about each horse.