November 26, 2009

Eighty-four horses have been seized in Tennessee in a joint rescue operation involving the Cannon County Sheriff's Department and the Humane Society of the United States.

The horses were seized by the Sheriff's Department on Tuesday due to signs of neglect and poor health. All are now in a temporary shelter until permanent homes can be found.

Rescuers also removed seven dogs, two goats and two chickens from the property. The animals were all in poor condition.

The owners signed all the animals over to the society at the end of the day's rescue operation.

"This rescue came not a moment too soon for the animals, including 84 horses struggling to survive," said Scotlund Haisley, senior director of emergency services with the society.

"There's no excuse for starving or neglecting an animal. It is the responsibility of every horse owner to provide humane, responsible care for their horses at all stages of their life."

When rescuers arrived on the 100-acre Bradyville property, they found many Tennessee Walking Horses and Spotted Saddle Horses, as well as quarter horses.

The society said many of the horses were emaciated and suffering from a variety of medical ailments including overgrown, infected hooves and parasite infestation.

Rescuers also found several dead horses on the scene, with one report suggesting there were 15.

Members of the public had alerted local police to the situation, the society said.

The sheriff's department sought the help of the humane society, which called in United Animal Nations to provide sheltering support and Volunteer Equine Advocates to help with animal handling and transport.

Invaluable help was also provided by officials from the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, who provided a stable to be used as an emergency shelter.

Rescuers removed the horses to the fairgrounds where they were checked by veterinarians and given any necessary immediate medical care.

Charges are expected in the case.

Haisley, said: "We found Tennessee Walking Horses, Spotted Saddle Horses, quarter horses and other cross-breeds roaming the property and overcrowded in a dank barn.

"Almost all of the horses were shockingly thin-more like taut skin pulled over a skeletal frame than the robust, lively creatures they should have been.

"Many hung their heads in apparent weakness and stood motionless on thin, wobbly legs. Some of the stronger horses eagerly vacuumed down mounds of fresh hay that had been laid out by rescuers."

Haisley said the operation gained another victory at the end of the day.

"After discussing the issue with the sheriff's department, the property owner has decided to surrender all of the animals," Haisley said.

"This is a huge weight off of our shoulders, as custody will immediately be signed over to HSUS.

"We can now focus on stabilising these horses and placing them with rescue groups in the area. This puts us one step closer to our final goal of finding responsible, loving homes for all of these formerly neglected animals."