Doll Stanley, who heads up our Justice for Animals Campaign in Mississippi, received a call from the Chickasaw County Sheriff's Department asking for In Defense of Animals' intercession regarding a malnourished horse.

Upon her arrival at the property where the horse was kept, the scenario was clear to Doll. The yard in front of the residence contained discarded toys, trash, and "traps" made of fishing line that the small children of the residence had set, which were not easy to navigate through. Luckily, the horse’s paddock was free of debris, and a sufficient container of fresh clean water and fresh hay had been provided. The horse was feeding on fresh feed and the dogs on the property were well fed and had water.

The family had been given the horse when she was thin. In ignorance and with reliance on another party to bring them hay, the family had not done well by April, the horse, who had struggled to gain back the weight she needed to be healthy.

Because the deputy who was concerned for April's welfare lives nearby, and since he had checked on April's progress before, it was decided to let the family have a month to show improvement in April's condition. Clearly, her family had intended to provide for April, and had showed it by seeking advice in caring for her, and by purchasing the grain and hay she must have. They are also clearing an area to expand her paddock and Doll gave them tips on feeding a horse who has been neglected in the past.

While speaking with the family, one of their dogs continually ran into the highway pursuing vehicles. Zach didn't respond to the family's pleas for him to get off the highway. Because the family's other dogs were chained, Doll asked that In Defense of Animals' Hope Animal Sanctuary be entrusted with the placement of Zach. Asking them to add him to the chained dogs wasn't an option for us, as we know that's a horrible way to live for a dog. Zach returned with Doll and is being pampered through the transition.

So we wait one month. That is not sufficient time for a horse to recover to her ideal weight, but in April's current condition, and at her age of 8-10 years, she should show improvement. If April has not improved during the month period, or if the nearby deputy sees that her guardians have failed to provide her hay, or cleared an area for her to graze, she will be seized.

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