Last month, In Defense of Animals’ Hope Animal Sanctuary received a call concerning three horses who were so thin that the caller feared they would soon die of starvation. From the description, our sanctuary Operations Manager Sharon Stone realized the horses’ “guardians” were a family that had been previously investigated for horse neglect.

Aided by concerned citizens who were willing to testify in court and because of the history of prior abuse, a seizure order was obtained and all three horses have now been removed from the property. The horses have been given proper veterinary attention and are in the care and custody of the same concerned citizens who were willing to speak up for them.

Their poor condition means it will take many months for them to gain weight and begin to be healthy once again, but their new guardians are committed to helping them be the happy, healthy horses they should be.   The original “guardian” made an agreement with the judge which stated, in exchange for not appealing the seizure of the horses, he would not be charged with neglect

If you see animals in distress, please speak out for them.