The controversy over the state of the horses owned by Jim Dillabough on the Mayo Road is murkier than ever.

There are next-to-no details on the state of an investigation launched by the Yukon government on allegations of animal neglect and abuse levelled against Dillabough by a wide number of people.

He has denied the allegations. He has also denied he has had any contact with organizations such as the Yukon Animal Rescue Network (YARN), despite the fundraising efforts it has launched that have generated nearly $20,000.

On Monday afternoon, Diane Gunter, a communications analyst with the Yukon government, said there was no further word on the investigation.

Certain comments on social media had suggested the government had declared Dillabough’s horses to be feral, meaning they could simply be rounded up and taken away by anyone.

Gunter’s only comment on the situation was that no government official has made such a claim.

Meanwhile, YARN representatives posted on Facebook that several horses have been sold, and arrangements are being made to sell more.

“Our end game shifted a bit to a more permanent solution .... When possible, donations will be used to purchase horses from the owner (which will be assessed, vetted and most sent south to be rehomed).

“And purchase hay and other supplies – to be provided for the herd as needed to get them/keep them healthy....”

Dillabough has been the subject of repeated investigations over the last two decades, but government officials say charges have never been laid.

He claims to have a herd of 35 horses.

Last week, he denied that any of his horses have died from starvation, despite claims to the contrary from many members of the public, including several neighbours.