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Pinellas Deputies Help Rescue Horse Trapped in Swamp

Horse Rescue | Pinellas Sheriff | Kushca

The horse had to be euthanized because of a pre-existing medical condition and the stress of being stuck in the swamp.

PINELLAS COUNTY – Pinellas sheriff’s deputies helped rescue a horse that was submerged in the mud in a cypress swamp in the unincorporated area near Tarpon Springs.

Although the horse, a 16-year-old Percheron named Kushca, was rescued, it had to be euthanized because of stress and a pre-existing medical issue, deputies said.

Deputies said they were called to 3755 Quail Forest Drive in unincorporated Tarpon Springs about 1:05 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 8) for a horse that was trapped in a cypress swamp behind the stable. Kushca, was found submerged in 4 feet to 5 feet of mud in the wooded area. Deputies said they believe Kushca was grazing when it wandered into the cypress swamp.

Deputies worked with the property owner, David Christopher, 54, and friends, for more than two hours to free the horse. The 2,000 lb. horse was extricated using towing straps and a come-along winch. Deputies said Kushca was unable to stand on its own and suffered from severe exhaustion.Horse Rescued | Pinellas County Sheriff | Tarpon Springs

A veterinarian responded to the scene, and the owners made the decision to euthanize the horse. Deputies said they were told that Kushca had a pre-existing medical issue and was suffering from the stress it endured. The horse died about 10 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 8).

For information about the Pinellas County sheriff, go to pcsoweb.com.

Photos courtesy of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

Pinellas Sheriff | Horse Rescued | Tarpon Springs | Cypress Swamp | Kushca | TB Reporter

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