A malfunction in the watering system that served a small herd of pack mules and stock horses in the Pixley National Wildlife Refuge left two horses and seven mules dead due to dehydration and related kidney problems. The horses were owned by the National Park Service (NPS) and were used in California’s Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.
The equines were held in a 300-acre pasture where the NPS was responsible for checking on their condition. The deceased animals were discovered on June 4. The NPS released a statement on June 8 saying that the incident was under investigation.
California Congressman Devin Nunes, who authored a bill to restore commercial stock operator access to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon Parks earlier this year, has launched a congressional investigation into the deaths according to ABC30 in Fresno, Calif.
The NPS investigation is now in the hands of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.
Those poor horses, to be left without water, (at least I read it that way). Who ever was to be checking up on them, should be punished for animal abuse.
What an unfortunate accident! If this was due to negligence, I hope there are repercussions for the responsible party.
sad story that could be prevented someone is responsible for checking the water and needs to held accountable for his actions hope they discover who is
it is disgusting to me that these things happen to me so close to my town. its not that hard to check a horses water.
What an awful way to day! I am beyond shocked.