Help Sought in Caring for 8 Seized Horses

Los Angeles Animal Services officials say they are overburdened and need help caring for eight horses seized in an animal cruelty and fraud case.

The horses were seized in the last two weeks from the West Coast Riding Academy, which authorities say was a scam. Police allege that Renae Ferguson, 28, of Sylmar, posing as the head of a nonprofit riding school for disadvantaged children, persuaded individuals to donate horses to the organization and then sold them for a profit.

Ferguson was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of cruelty to animals and fraud.

Don Knapp, the department’s general manager, called for veterinarians and other people with experience working with horses to volunteer to care for the animals. He also asked for donations to pay for horse feed.

“Alleged neglect cases such as these . . . place an unbearable strain on staff and resources,” Knapp said.

Contributions can be sent to the Animal Welfare Trust Fund for Horses at 419 S. Spring St., Room 1400, Los Angeles 90013.

For more information, call (213) 893-8400.