Lyon County Animal Services investigating alleged animal abuse

Lyon County Animal Services is investigating two allegations of animal abuse/neglect.

The first involves complaints of mistreatment of horses at the Starlight Sanctuary in Silver Springs, which has about 70 horses. Officers reported they found appropriate feed and water for the animals, although some horses seemed underweight.

A veterinarian was called to check the horses’ health, county officials said.

A spokesman said the sanctuary, an animal-rescue operation, has existed for a decade with no reported violations of county or state law.

Animal Services also is investigating allegations in Silver Springs that someone had left a number of barnyard animals unattended. It reported that the operation was under care of a friend until food ran out, after which he property owner provided feed, and that volunteers have been caring for the animals.

In that case as well, a veterinarian was called to check the health of the animals.

Both cases remain under investigation, an Animal Services spokesman said.