KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Veterinary Services Department (DVS) will schedule visits for the next three months to ensure that the emaciated horses in Tuaran are properly taken care of.
State Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan was referring to a viral issue on social media which brought to light the condition of the horses, which were severely malnourished, neglected, and experiencing health issues.
This situation prompted the Sabah Polo Association to come forward and clarify that the horses in question did not belong to them.
"On Sept 28, a complaint about animal abuse was received on DVS Sabah's website https://welfare.davetsa.sabah.gov.my/.
An enforcement unit from DVS Tuaran observed injuries on two horses and a thin horse during an inspection on Oct 2.
"One of the horses was severely thin with a body score of less than 3 out of 5.
"The horse stable manager explained that the horse was suffering from a chronic liver problem, while the other horse had a wound on both its forelimbs."
Jeffrey added that following the inspection, the department issued a 14-day notice to the horse stable manager to improve the condition of those horses.
On Oct 23, a re-evaluation showed significant improvement, with the thin horse gaining weight, and the injured horse recovering.
"DVS Tuaran is planning weekly visits for the next three months to ensure ongoing improvement in the management and health of the horses."