Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) is asking for the public’s help in locating the owner of a horse picked up near Maple Valley.

The gelding, which was approximately 20 years old, was found Friday morning, August 30 in the 22400 block of Sweeney Road SE, close to Cedar River Elementary School. It was in poor condition, and had apparently been starved. Animal control officers were able to safely impound the horse and take it to an equine veterinarian for evaluation and treatment. Despite lifesaving efforts, the horse died on Monday, September 2. A necropsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

The horse had distinctive markings on the head and body that may aid in identification. RASKC is asking anyone with information about the horse’s owner, the identity of the horse, or who might have seen anything in the Sweeney Road SE area Thursday night or Friday morning to call 206-296-7387 (PETS) or email pets@kingcounty.gov.