Starving Horses Rescued from Deplorable Conditions by Law Enforcement

Emaciated brown and red horses with ribs showing

Photo: Hope Equine Rescue

*warning: disturbing images

Horses are large animals that require fresh grass, hay, grain, or a combination of these each day to stay healthy.

However, horses at two different properties were not fed for weeks and found living in horrible conditions. They need our support to survive

Severely malnourished white and brown horse walking across pasture.
Photo: Hope Equine Rescue

Five horses were found starving and being kept in deplorable conditions. A stallion named Thunder was locked in a stall for a long time and found standing knee-deep in his own feces. Rescuers had to break down the wall with a crowbar to free him. 

Very skinny brown horse looking at camera
Photo: Hope Equine Rescue

Two mares, Dama and Acappella, arrived with a body score of one. Another stallion named Rebel with every rib showing and a pregnant mare named Tormenta were also rescued by law enforcement and brought to Hope Equine Rescue.

Underweight dark brown horse standing in pen.
  Photo: Hope Equine Rescue

A malnourished colt named Bryant was rescued from another neglect case where another horse was found deceased on the property. He was never handled, vaccinated, or had his feet trimmed. 

Malnourished colt looking at camera in the dark.
Photo: Hope Equine Rescue

He arrived at the horse rescue and is bonding with Thunder as they attempt to move past their painful pasts. 

Sheriff Grady Judd said, "This was absolutely, unequivocally a horrible scene--these horses were severely malnourished. This was so sad to see, and so avoidable—they were in terrible shape because of this man."

Skinny brown horse with ribs showing and patchy coat
Photo: Hope Equine Rescue

Those responsible are being charged with animal cruelty and neglect. 

The road to recovery for these sweet equines will be long and expensive. They need your help to get the medical care they need to heal. They are being fed many small meals and alfalfa hay to reintroduce food to their bodies. All need dental care, extensive hoof care, radiographs, and Bryant needs surgery for an undescended testicle when he has regained his health.

small horse with halter on looking at camera
Photo: Hope Equine Rescue

Donate today to show them someone cares. 

Andrea Powell

Andrea Powell is an animal enthusiast who resides in West Michigan. When not writing, she is exploring the great outdoors with her dogs and horses.

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