Another senseless case of animal cruelty was revealed today after 51 horses suffering from various states of neglect were removed from a 40-acre property near Lake Butler, Florida.
The ASPCA, which is now caring for the horses, assisted the Union County Sheriff’s Office in the rescue of the surviving animals from deplorable conditions.
Tragically, remains of deceased horses were also found on the property during an investigation that began on October 25th.
A post on the Sheriff’s department’s Facebook page assured that they consider this a serious crime.
“From the moment we stepped foot on the property, it was evident that immediate intervention was needed for these animals,” Tim Rickey, Vice President of the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team, said in a statement. “Our goal is to provide these animals with much-needed care and seek suitable placement options with our network of equine rescues as we continue to help local law enforcement with the case.”
The ASPCA transported the majority of the horses from the property to an equine hospital where their forensic and equine veterinarians are conducting exams and providing daily care until the horses can be responsibly placed with Florida-based equine rescues.
Charges are pending based on evidence collected by ASPCA experts in support of the investigation. The ASPCA Legal Advocacy department is also now working to help ensure the best legal outcome for these animals.
“This is truly a collaborative effort between law enforcement and animal welfare groups coming together to send a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in the community,” continued Rickey.
