Working with veterinarians from the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Laclede County Sheriff’s Office, the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force announced in a press release its plan to rescue the horses.
The release described the horses as “extremely emaciated with spine, ribs and hips projecting prominently.” The animals have no access to water and only have a small amount of poor quality hay.
Despite recommendations about proper care over the past several weeks from Animal Cruelty investigators and veterinarians, the animals’ condition had continued to deteriorate.
According to the release, the sheriff’s office will recommend charges of animal abuse be filed against the owner and the Animal Cruelty Task Force will work with the Laclede County prosecutor to ensure prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
According to the release, the horses’ owner agreed to surrender the horses to the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.
The animals will have examinations, a lengthy rehabilitation and will eventually be adopted.
“Horses do not become this dangerously close to death overnight,” Amanda Mullen, director of Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, said in the release.
“It is tragic to see them come to the ranch in this condition. They will need many months of special feeding and veterinary care to fully recover.”
Started more than 40 years ago, the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force is one of the largest animal rescue and disaster response teams in the United States, according to the release.
Donations for the horses’ care may be made at hsmo.org or by calling 314-951-1542.
(News Leader - Mar 1, 2014)
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