Published: July 15, 2008 11:13 pm      

Horses, python recovered by authorities

CANNONSBURG — Animal Control officials have been called for more than the usual stray dogs and cats this month.

On Monday authorities recovered two horses in Cannonsburg and last week a 12-foot reptile was removed from a home in Ashland.

Boyd County Animal Control recovered a paint mare and bay gelding Monday morning. The horses were found walking down Cannonsburg Road near its intersection with Tarpin Ridge Road at approximately 10 a.m., according to director Paul Helton.

He said the animals appear to be healthy and both were wearing halters when they were found.

“They are not neglected. They are eating good; they are nice and healthy,” he said. Officials knocked on doors in the area looking for the owners but no one claimed the animals, he said.

Helton said he believes the horses simply escaped their pens and the owners, if found, will not face any criminal charges. If the owners are not found, Helton said, the horses will be put up for adoption.

The incident once again illustrates the department’s need for a horse trailer, according to Helton. Authorities have been seeking to have a bumper pull trailer donated to them for several months, he said. Budget constraints have prevented the shelter from purchasing one but it is greatly needed in order to recover large animals and livestock, he said.

In a separate incident last Friday the shelter recovered a large snake at a home in Ashland, Helton said.

The 12-foot Burmese Python was found in an empty home on Lookout Street. The owner of the home told authorities the home was a rental property.

Helton said the tenants moved out suddenly and must have left the animal, which was found in the home’s bathroom by the landlord.

The python is now in the care of a Flatwoods man, who has several large reptiles. Helton said it also will be put up for adoption if not claimed by the owners.

The Boyd County Animal Shelter is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached at (606) 324-1081 or by e-mail at bcanimalshelter1@windstream.net

CARRIE KIRSCHNER can be reached at ckirschner@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.