84 Horses rescued in TN

[cc]

In case there is anyone here who has not seen the rescue operation of 84 horses in Cannon County TN. here is the link that shows the animals being picked up and the "owners" being arrested. A group of us went today and worked with these animals. One of the saddest things is that the previous owners can only be charged with a misteminor (sp?) in TN. They may be able to get one felony charge because of a dog that was also picked up.

http://www.humanesociety.org/news/ne...ee_112509.html

This was what was on the television news:
Cannon County Sheriff Billy Nichols told News 2 he's "never seen a case this large, this bad."

The Tennessee Walking horses, Spotted Saddle horses and Quarter horses all showed signs of neglect and poor health.

Some were extremely emaciated, suffering from various medical conditions or could no longer walk.

In addition, authorities said several dead horses were found at the scene.

Eight dogs, two goats and two chickens, all in poor condition, were also seized.

The Humane Society responds to animal cruelty cases all over the country and said Tuesday's is one of the worst cases it has seen.

"We respond to large scale animal suffering," said Scotlund Haisely with the Humane Society. "On a scale of one to 10, 10 being the worst horse cruelty situation we've seen, I put this as an eight. This is not a good scene. This is grim."

Concerned citizens alerted the sheriff's department to the alleged abuse.

The sheriff's office then brought in the Humane Society to be the lead animal welfare organization in the case.

All of the horses are being moved to temporary shelters.

At least six trailers were sent to the property to transport the horses to stables at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in Nashville.

As they reach the fairgrounds, the horses are being checked by veterinarians and given appropriate medical care.

Police arrested the two owners of the animals, Charles E. Howland and his son, Clint Howland, the same day the animals were seized.

Both men face charges of animal cruelty.

They have each made their $1,500 bond and have surrendered the horses to authorities.

The Humane Society says people who want to donate feed and hay to the horses can call "Rowdy" at 240-654-7338.

Rescuers could be treating the animals at the fairgrounds for several weeks after which they will be sent to local rescue groups.

Several of us went today to volunteer and have never worked so hard or had such a wonderful day. One of the most amazing things is that only 2 of these horses have been lost. It is hoped that as many of the worst horses have been taken to vets facilities for specialized care there won't be any more die.

Please keep the volunteers and animals in your prayers and thoughts and when you go out to feed your horse thank your God for blessing you with this wonderful animal.

[happycat]

Unbelievable....bless you for caring for these most beautiful creatures.

[Stonybrook]

Unbelievable. 100 acres??? There is no reason those animals should look like that if they have 100 acres. Idiots. What was it the equivalent of an equine puppy mill? Poor things. It is unfortunate the previous owners won't get the punishment they should get.

[6e]

I was thinking the same thing, though 83 horses on 100 acres is just a little over an acre per horse and if the grass is poor than that's not enough.

[sidepasser]

What local rescues are involved? I have crossposted this to COTH but can't tell people who to talk with to help.

[Cliff]

As far as I know only hsus is involved right now.

[cc]

I think that the HSUS is the main rescue group that is ramrodding the whole thing but they are dependent on volunteers from all of the local humane societies and groups. Today there were 15 or so farriers that did all the hooves that they could. I know that made the horses feel better to have clean trimmed feet. I am sure it will be a long time before they get to be sound again and some may never completely recover. HSUS has been in Tennessee more than any other state this year, makes ya proud doesn't it?

[lamoncha lover]

were those horses housed in separate areas? I saw several extremely emaciated, several thin and several that looked in my eyes acceptable and some that looked in decent flesh.
Did the rescues throw hay?.As in a huge round bale because I saw both square baled hay and also a round bale that looked to be eaten off of.
What was wrong with the downed horse? Was the foal being carried out unable to walk?
I know how the rescue works,,,,find the animal in the worse condition, add some sad music and a comentator and wala you have a propoganda movie that will bring in the big bucks.
i was not there. i did not see but maybe 15 of the 84 horses.I would like more info myself. Are the horses able to get visitors>? When do the adoptions start?

[freedomfrom4]

Would not deworming cause them to get so skinney? How could they look like that with hay in the field?

[lamoncha lover]

worm overload can cause that, as can bad teeth and old age and other health conditions. As can improper care. The differences of condition is wha makes me take pause

[cc]

These people were buying horses on a regular basis and the ones that were there the longest where in the worse shape. Those that they had only a little while were in better shape. I was there. This isn't one of those sad music things. They are not allowing people just to come in just to look, if you want to work, come on to the Tennessee State Fairgrounds but be prepared to work. The foal that was carried out was taken to a vets office for turning every 2 hours, feeding every 3 hours and intensive care. There were many horses that they were having to lift and stand up on a regular basis. The hay was put out by volunteers who actually broke the law by trespassing onto the property to put it out. Adoptions will not start for probably 3 weeks or so and they will be handled through several different rescue groups. Do not have the information on that as of yet. These horses were not just wormy they were starved. The necropsy done on the recent dead horses showed that they had nothing in their stomachs except feces.

[sidepasser]

From what I understand - the guys were feeding the horses they "liked" and the rest were left to fend for themselves. What is up with that??

Seems that some were in very good weight and health, while others were barely able to walk..sad situation.

[lamoncha lover]

I would love to volunteer, unfortunately I think i tore a tendon in my right hand. if I can get almost pain free use of it I may see you down there CC.
I remember when we first moved to TN how I was a bit shocked at what the average horse condition was. I guess I was used to QH and the muscle mass they had,,also with harsh winter conditions i never wanted my horses thin. It looked like every pasture we drove by had starving horses in it. I have since gotten used to it (but my horses are still way to fat)