 |
|
|
Updated: 6:46 PM Mar 27, 2008
Donations Pour In for Horses Found In Horrible Conditions
The Jessamine County Humane Society says donations of everything from feed and hay to money have started to arrive for 70 horses found Wednesday at a rural Jessamine County farm, starving and neglected. Posted: 6:21 PM Mar 26, 2008 |
|
33 Comments 
Animal control officers continued to remove horses Thursday from a farm in rural Jessamine County where 70 horses were found Wednesday. Officers say the horses were all starving and neglected.
Some of the horses were removed Wednesday, the rest were taken from the scene Thursday afternoon.
On Wednesday officials said, on a scale of one to ten with one being the worst, most of the horses would rank a 1.5. The owner faces 70 counts of animal cruelty and is expected in court next month. Authorities say two other people could also be charged in the case.
The Jessamine County Humane Society says they have been receiving hay, feed and monetary donations. However, it will take great efforts to nurse the horses back to health. If you would like to make a donation you can contact them at 859-887-1577. You can also send donations to:
Jessamine Co. Humane Society
P.O. Box 101
Nicholasville, Ky 40340.
Latest Comments
Yes, Jill, the closure of the plants has caused this problem. Apparently you are blissfully unaware of the fact that when horses can no longer be maintained due to drought, the rising cost of feed, illness, advanced age and all those things that you pointed out, horse owners who, in the past, would have shipped them for meat, now have nowhere to send them. Rescue farms are rapidly becoming overwhelmed. Euthanasia, burial & cremation costs have risen in direct proportion to the demand created by the closure of the plants. And as the value of horses decreased because of the closure of the plants – which incidentally set the dollar/pound value of all horses - Auction is no longer a viable option: Excluding those that would have gone for meat, valuable horses are now going for a pittance. Those that would have been bought as saddle mounts are not selling – why? Because of the very reasons you gave in your response; they are too expensive to keep. Arlene, I am with you all the way!
[ Report Abuse ]
I have wanted a horse all of my life. call and didn't get response have bought the essential and a book to take good care of it, but evidently you are not trying to hard to find them a home. I know people are trying to give horses away right now so I was only trying to help. Have a nice day. Ron
[ Report Abuse ]
Arlene is not completely right. The closing of the slaughterhouses is not the only reason for the increase in starving or abandoned horses. Last years's extreme drought has had a devastating effect on hay in this country. Prices have doubled or tripled and supply has dramatically decreased. Even cattle owners are facing serious problems. Also, the sharp increase in demand for biofuels since gas prices have soared, has sent corn prices soaring. It was just an unfortunate coincidence that this all happened the same year that slaughter plants closed. The overwhelming majority of neglect cases I have seen were due to the drought, and NOT the closing of the plants. Also, you have to ask yourself: if a horse owner can no longer afford to feed his/her horses, why not humanely euthanize them instead of abandoning them - in the absense of slaughterhouses? Also, auctions didn't close - just the slaughterhouses.
[ Report Abuse ]
 |
Classifieds
THE place to buy and sell items. Most ads free. |
 |
|
 |
Desktop
Alert Download weather alerts to your computer desktop. |
|
|
 |
FirstAlert Defender Dual Polarity Radar |
|
|
 |
Experts
Got a question? Ask our Health Experts. |
|
|
 |
WKYT Archives
Looking for a video clip? |
|
|
 |
Everyday Heroes
Is someone you know a hero? |
|
|
 |
Crime
Find out how Ray Larson is stopping crime. |
|
|
 |
Crimestoppers
Help bring criminals to justice. |
|
|
 |
Simple Energy Saving Tips
Answers to your questions about energy efficiency and saving money. |
| Ray the D.A. |
