COROLLA, N.C. — A wild horse on the North Carolina coast has died after officials say it choked on an apple, leading to warnings for people not to feed the herd.
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund said on its Facebook page that a yearling colt named Danny choked on an apple last Friday.
The organization said its veterinarian administered a sedative to try and relax the horse’s esophagus and allow the obstruction to pass.
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But it was discovered that the apple had been lodged long enough to cause an infection and rupture his esophagus.
Officials blame Danny’s death on “humans who had no regard for the safety of the horses.”
“All of this could have been prevented. Danny didn’t deserve to die this way,” the Corolla Wild Horse Fund said on Facebook. “The herd doesn’t deserve to lose a young horse like this. And it should not take a horse dying from being fed for there to be a serious wake-up call. But here we are. So let’s not let Danny’s death be in vain. Stop feeding the horses. Stop touching the horses, Stop interacting with the horses. If the horses come up to you, walk away. Secure your belongings on the beach. Pick up your garbage. Call and report infractions that you witness.”
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