Snohomish Co. horse rescue charity folds amid scandal
SEATTLE -- The head of a horse rescue charity accused of misusing funds has settled her case, but the scandal has left several horses out in the cold and in need of new homes.
In May, Snohomish County's People Helping Horses took in 26 horses confiscated by Animal Control. The charity asked for $100,000 in donations to care for the sick horses.
The group's executive director, Gretchen Salstrom, said the money would help keep the horses from suffering. But what nobody knew at the time was that Salstrom was under investigation by the state's Attorney General's office for allegedly misusing charity money.
"They were raising the money for therapeutic riding programs for children when they terminated that part of the program," said Attorney General Rob McKenna.
The state accused Salstrom of using the money on her own horse breeding and dog breeding business. Now, the state, the charity and Salstrom have settled the case, but there are still some loose ends.
"So, she's not allowed to have a relationship with this charity, but she's not allowed to work for a non profit of any type for the next 10 years," McKenna said.
The entire ordeal has left Susan Moore, who's the last member of the charity, in a tough spot.
"I have days where I go between angry and frustrated and being so sad," Moore said.
Moore joined People Helping Horses to help clean up the mess now that the investigation is over. The charity has found homes for 43 of the horses they were caring for, but the crisis has forced Moore to shut down the organization later this month.
Until then, she's trying to stable and find new homes for the five remaining horses.
"The more often they are moved around, the harder they are with trust issues," she said.
In May, Snohomish County's People Helping Horses took in 26 horses confiscated by Animal Control. The charity asked for $100,000 in donations to care for the sick horses.
The group's executive director, Gretchen Salstrom, said the money would help keep the horses from suffering. But what nobody knew at the time was that Salstrom was under investigation by the state's Attorney General's office for allegedly misusing charity money.
"They were raising the money for therapeutic riding programs for children when they terminated that part of the program," said Attorney General Rob McKenna.
The state accused Salstrom of using the money on her own horse breeding and dog breeding business. Now, the state, the charity and Salstrom have settled the case, but there are still some loose ends.
"So, she's not allowed to have a relationship with this charity, but she's not allowed to work for a non profit of any type for the next 10 years," McKenna said.
The entire ordeal has left Susan Moore, who's the last member of the charity, in a tough spot.
"I have days where I go between angry and frustrated and being so sad," Moore said.
Moore joined People Helping Horses to help clean up the mess now that the investigation is over. The charity has found homes for 43 of the horses they were caring for, but the crisis has forced Moore to shut down the organization later this month.
Until then, she's trying to stable and find new homes for the five remaining horses.
"The more often they are moved around, the harder they are with trust issues," she said.
This woman Gretchen Salstrom should have all her assets repossessed - their are legit non-profits out there and this lady has damaged all of their reputations because of her actions. Her right to do any business in this state should be removed entirely for life!
People like Salstrom make me SICK. Â WHY do people insist on continuing to breed horses and dogs (and cats)? Â There are so many animals out there that need homes and they only contribute to that problem. Â Good luck to Ms. Moore, she certainly has her work cut out for her.
It's too bad Susan Moore is left with the fall out from Salstrom's crimes. However, surely she knew this charity has taken in donations averaging $1 million annually, and spent just a tiny amount on actual horse care. Last year, they rehomed only 10 horses. As the AG proved, Salstrom was padding her own pockets, running a lavish personal equestrian centre and kennel. Further, PPH was not really a rescue. They were technically horse dealers. A genuine rescue does background, home and reference checks. They follow up to make sure adopters are treating animals humanely.
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Part of PPH's downfall was the fact they adopted to absolutely anyone who donated to them. Horses were abused and neglected in their care. I am personal witness to a severely traumatized horse being adopted out of state, to live in a festering mud pit junkyard, abused, under fed, and ridden unshod on gravel roads while permanently lame. He was lamed while in PPH's care. They do no follow up to ensure horses are treated humanely. The people who adopted this horse in BC were the subject of SPCA investigation, and the horse has since been moved. With no assistance from PPH's millions.
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As a director, surely Susan Moore has access to PPH's millions, and Salstrom does not. The horses left to rehome could easily be put in permanent sanctuary from just the interest on PPH's bank account. There is no need for tears over their fate. The scamming continues. It will be interesting to see if PPH actually provides funding for care for these horses. You can look up PPH's financial position on Charity Navigator.
@Sunny As a personal witness, did you report your findings of abuse to the authorities?
Susan Moore, you are an angel. My heart is with you.Â
If you can't care for the horse and can't find anyone to care for it at least have the decency to turn it lose in the woods. It will find plenty of food to eat and at least the horse itself will determine whether it lives or dies.
Blindman, you are truly blind, and kind of stupid, too.
 @Blindman Seriously?? Can you imagine if everyone thought that way? And these aren't wild horses. These are domesticated horses that have come to depend on humans for food and shelter.
What a piece of crap. Although People Helping Horses sounds a lot like George Costanza's The Human Fund.
Those poor horses. Human's failing them again.Â
To bad people have to be greedy!