Horse corralled after running loose on Spruce

QUINCY — Just before 7 a.m. Tuesday, the Quincy/Adams County 911 Center received a call about a horse at large in the 24th and Spruce neighborhood.

The Quincy Police Department Animal Control Officer was called in and responded the officer found a citizen had hooked a leash to the bridle the horse was wearing and had it detained at 24th and Spruce.

The horse appeared emaciated and needed veterinary care. The animal control officer and other responding police officers, along with the Adams County Animal Warden, began work to ensure the horse received necessary care. The city of Quincy animal shelter, Western Illinois Veterinary Clinic (WIVC), was contacted and a staff veterinarian experienced in equine treatment responded to the scene.

After an initial assessment, it was determined the animal needed to be transported to WIVC. At that point, a second (off-duty) WIVC staff veterinarian with experience treating horses and access to a horse trailer responded to the scene. The animal was loaded into the horse trailer and safely transported to the clinic.

Once there, the horse was examined by certified veterinarians and veterinary technicians with knowledge and experience working with horses, and a treatment plan was developed. Western
Illinois Veterinary Clinic has a stable on premises so the horse will be appropriately housed until a final placement decision is made.

The animal’s owner was located and an investigation is currently ongoing.