A Pinellas County family had to say goodbye to their horse Thursday, Dec. 8. Deputies were called out to Quail Forest Drive in unincorporated Tarpon Springs for a horse that was trapped in a cypress swamp.
- A horse was put down due to suffering from being stuck in a swamp
- Horse was unable to stand on its own and suffering from severe exhaustion
- Horse died around 10pm on Dec. 8
The 16-year-old Percheron horse named "Kushca," was found submerged in four to five feet of mud in the wooded area.
Deputies believe the horse 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 the horse was unable to stand on its own and suffered from severe exhaustion.
A veterinarian and the owners made the difficult decision to euthanize the horse, deputies said.
Deputies were informed that the horse had a pre-existing medical issue and was suffering from the stress it endured.
The horse died at about 10 p.m. on December 8, 2016.