A horse found 10 kilometres down a logging road near Fort St. John has had her foal.
The mare, who was given the name Spirit, was pregnant when she was found. She had lesions on her skin, some raw, and was covered in hives and welts.
“We were contacted by a conservation officer about Spirit, and we were able to find a foster in the area who could take her in,” stated Christy King, the BC SPCA’s interim program manager for farm and equine animal care services. “We are so thankful to the conservation officer for notifying us and the foster who was able to respond so quickly. She drove her own truck and trailer down the logging road to rescue Spirit and then coaxed her into the trailer. Spirit was a bit shy at first, but eventually she walked into the trailer.”
It appeared that someone had already tried to treat Spirit's wounds, King said, but the care wasn't enough.
“Once the appropriate topical medication and oral antibiotics were prescribed it was amazing how quickly her skin started to clear up. She is looking so much healthier now," she said. "It did not hurt that she was being fed and watered regularly and she was able to rest comfortably.”
Spirit's owner was located and chose to surrender her to the BC SPCA.
Her foal was born on July 28, and was given the name Journey.
“I am happy to say that Spirit and her foal are doing very well,” said King, adding that the name was given in honour of Spirit's difficult journey before finding care.
Spirit’s foster has decided to adopt her, and Journey will be available for adoption once she is weaned, which won’t be for several months.
- To learn about fostering animals, visit spca.bc.ca/ways-to-help/volunteer/farm-animal-volunteer-opportunities
- To donate, visit spca.bc.ca/donations-emergency-foal
