Officers tried to save horse - local fire company called to cool-off animal with water

UPDATE - CHARGES FILED. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.Ephrata police are looking into allegations of animal abuse in Lancaster County.- Watch the News 8 reportPolice said the alleged incident happened on Tuesday, August 2 at Bethany Road near Brossman Road.Pictures have been circulating on social media showing two Amish men leaning over a fallen horse. It's not clear in the pictures what happened and police are investigating.When officers arrived on the scene, they say two men were trying to get the horse to its feet. Police called a local fire company to cool-off the horse with water. They showered the animal with about 1,000 gallons of water.Police say they have identified the horses owner and the wagon operator, whose names have not been released.The horse had to be euthanized.Ephrata police released statements saying, in part:“As a criminal justice agency, it is imperative that we sort out fact from fiction, and truth from hyperbole before taking action against a citizen. We must collect evidence and information. In many cases, this solemn process takes time.We have been in consult with the SPCA and we are leaning on their expertise for guidance.We must reiterate that ALL Pennsylvanians are subject to the law..."Police said they have conducted interviews and done follow up interviews about the incident. They are asking anyone who may have witnessed the alleged abuse to contact them. You can leave a tip on this web page.9738388

UPDATE - CHARGES FILED. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

Ephrata police are looking into allegations of animal abuse in Lancaster County.


- Watch the News 8 report

Police said the alleged incident happened on Tuesday, August 2 at Bethany Road near Brossman Road.

Pictures have been circulating on social media showing two Amish men leaning over a fallen horse. It's not clear in the pictures what happened and police are investigating.

When officers arrived on the scene, they say two men were trying to get the horse to its feet. Police called a local fire company to cool-off the horse with water. They showered the animal with about 1,000 gallons of water.

Police say they have identified the horses owner and the wagon operator, whose names have not been released.

The horse had to be euthanized.

Ephrata police released statements saying, in part:

“As a criminal justice agency, it is imperative that we sort out fact from fiction, and truth from hyperbole before taking action against a citizen. We must collect evidence and information. In many cases, this solemn process takes time.

We have been in consult with the SPCA and we are leaning on their expertise for guidance.

We must reiterate that ALL Pennsylvanians are subject to the law..."

Police said they have conducted interviews and done follow up interviews about the incident. They are asking anyone who may have witnessed the alleged abuse to contact them. You can leave a tip on this web page.