The RCMP no longer believes the three dead horses that were found on crown land near Grasmere were subjected to animal abuse.
Following discussions with the person they identified as the owner of two of the dead horses, the RCMP believes they died as a result of old age.
The RCMP and the SPCA have both carried out investigations but do not expect to be making any criminal charges.
“After identifying and talking to the owner of two of the horses, we believe the animals just died naturally of old age,” said Sgt. Dave Dubnyk of the Elk Valley RCMP.
“However, we would still like to identify the owner of the third horse.
“Also, all three horses have been removed form the site, so we would like to know who took them away and disposed of them.”
The RCMP believes the owner of the third horse may have read about the police investigation in The Free Press and then returned to collect the horses and dispose of them.
“Our biggest concern was that these animals were subjected to cruelty, and that no longer seems likely,” said Sgt. Dubnyk.
“The area where they were found appears to be a dumping ground for dead animals used by local ranchers.”