An emergency call about a horse running loose on South Chickasaw Street in Pauls Valley last week, quickly turned into a cooperative effort by first responders, local businesses and members of the community to safely corral the animal and locate its owner.
The horse was initially reported to Pauls Valley Police around 8 a.m. on July 9 as running north on Chickasaw Street, south of Rush Creek, according to dispatch call logs. The animal then traveled west on Lee Street to South Walnut.
Responding officers notified Pauls Valley Animal Welfare.
“Before we even arrived, a caring citizen had already stepped in—calmly guiding the frightened horse into a nearby cemetery and closing the gates so he could no longer run into traffic. That simple act likely prevented a tragedy,” Pauls Valley Animal Welfare Supervisor Christopher Hurley said.
With the help of another citizen, animal welfare and Pauls Valley police officers began trying to safely secure the horse. Hurley said while the animal welcomed gentle pets and accepted food, every attempt to place a lead or halter on him sent him back into panic.
Knowing more experienced horse handlers were needed, animal welfare officers immediately began reaching out to equine contacts throughout the community while continuing to work to identify an owner. At the same time, Pauls Valley Police Department checked known horse owners in the area, hoping to reunite him with his family as quickly as possible.
A local veterinary clinic stepped in, sending both their veterinarian and veterinary technician—each experienced with horses.
“They took the lead in safely corralling him, bringing calm and confidence to a very stressful situation,” Hurley said.
Once the horse was was safely contained, management from a local farm & ranch store stepped up to help coordinate a safe horse trailer so he could be transported to a secure pen at the animal shelter if needed.
“Throughout it all, citizens stopped by to help. They brought snacks and water for the horse, bottles of water for Animal Welfare staff and police officers working in the heat and offered encouragement every step of the way,” Hurley said.
Before the trailer arrived, authorities were able to locate the horse’s owner, who came and collected the animal.
Hurley said the whole incident was an example of what happens when neighbors help neighbors and a community comes together with a common goal.
“Today was a reminder that community isn’t just a word. It’s action. It’s compassion. It’s people choosing to help when they don’t have to,” Hurley said. “We couldn’t be more proud of everyone who played a part in today’s successful outcome. This is Pauls Valley. And today, Pauls Valley showed up.”
