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Mountain lion kills two foals at Horse Shelter ranch
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A mountain lion attacked and killed two foals last week at a Los Cerrillos sanctuary for abandoned, abused and neglected horses.
“We are completely devastated by this loss and in response have taken as many precautions and actions as possible,” Susan Hemmerle, executive director of Santa Fe-based nonprofit The Horse Shelter, said in an email.
She said the shelter has moved its other mares with foals, and a pregnant mare, off its ranch in Cerrillos “as they are at the greatest risk.”
“We are working with both appropriate government authorities and a highly respected, private contractor so that we can prevent any further attacks,” Hemmerle said. “We have put the word out to all of the neighbors and neighborhoods that surround the shelter so that they can protect their livestock and pets as well.”
Hemmerle said going forward, the shelter will explore “all possible deterrents” to prevent attacks.
“We are fortunate, in our 25-year history, that this is the first time this has ever occurred, but we are doing everything in our power to ensure it never happens again,” she said.
Horse Shelter Board President Jennifer Rios said in an email people in the “Cerrillos/Galisteo/Highway 14 area should be warned that there is a large male mountain lion (out there) who has already developed a ‘taste’ for domesticated animals/livestock.”
“Please keep us and our herd in your thoughts and take every precaution to protect your own animals,” Hemmerle said.
