Beaumont, Alberta – A horse farm near Beaumont, Alberta, was the scene of a disturbing incident this week when a baby horse was mutilated in a suspected dog attack. The week-old foal suffered severe wounds, including a large section of its hip and buttock being torn away to the bone, as well as flesh missing from its flank. The owner of the Leduc County farm, where the attack occurred, expressed concern for the safety of the children and teenagers who take riding lessons at the facility in the future.
According to Connie Manning-McNichol, owner of TamRac Ranch, located east of Beaumont, the neighbor’s large breed dogs have been causing problems for some time. The dogs, identified as mastiff-type breeds, have been a recurring issue and have previously chased horses on the property. The situation escalated on Tuesday morning when the dogs were spotted chasing a mare and foal in the yard, prompting a call to Leduc County bylaw.
Manning-McNichol described the heartbreaking discovery of the injured foal, named Manhattan Project or “Mani,” who was found with severe wounds and exposed bone. The foal, along with its mother, was quickly taken to Delaney Veterinary Services for emergency treatment. Despite receiving stitches for its injuries, Mani faces a long road to recovery under 24-hour care.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of both livestock and clients at the ranch, prompting Manning-McNichol to implement stricter safety measures. She emphasized the unpredictability of dogs around foals and the need for responsible pet ownership to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Law enforcement officials from Leduc County responded to the incident and are actively investigating the matter. While the neighbor denied any violence from his dogs, concerns remain about the dogs’ behavior and potential risks they pose to the surrounding community. The ongoing investigation aims to gather evidence and determine the appropriate course of action to ensure the safety of all animals and residents in the area.
As the investigation continues, Manning-McNichol and her family have set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the extensive veterinary expenses incurred during Mani’s treatment. The community has shown support for the ranch and the injured foal, highlighting the need for responsible pet ownership and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.