Neglect and Abuse

This is the news article from Fox 59 about how Sassy and her friends came into the care of Indiana Horse Rescue. There was also a film clip but I could not upload it. But, I could pull off this picture of one of Sassy's barn mates:

Horrible, heart wrenching, infuriating.... How can people do this to animals??

Horse rescue group not confident rescued horses will survive

A horse rescue group caring for 18 horses removed from an Indianapolis home on the south side is trying to rehabilitate all of the horses, but the rehabilitation is proving difficult.

By Ann Keil

Fox59

8:01 a.m. EDT, August 9, 2011

Indianapolis— A horse rescue group caring for 18 horses removed from an Indianapolis home on the southside is trying to rehabilitate all of the horses, but the rehabilitation is proving difficult. Nineteen horses, two dogs and a cat were removed from the home last Wednesday.

Volunteers with the group, Indiana Horse Rescue, said the neglect was not short-term. They claim several of the horses are severly underweight.

"It's an obvious sign of neglect," said Melanie Masunas, assitant manager of a Frankfort horse farm managed by Indiana Horse Rescue.

Officials with Indianapolis Care and Control also claim the animals were being neglected.

All but four of the healthier horses were taken to a 27-acre farm in Frankfort operated by Indiana Horse Rescue. The staff is currently preparing to haul the four horses being cared for by animal control to their farm.

On Friday, the homeowner would only explain himself on camera if his face was not shown. He could not explain why some of the horses were underweight. He also said he and his wife were not neglecting the horses or the other animals.

Still, the staff at Indiana Horse Rescue has said some of the horses are fighting for their lives, mostly because they are severely underweight.

Masunas also said the majority of the horses have overgrown hooves. One horse was already euthanized because of a painful hoof condition.

"Her hooves were twisted. It has been neglect, not just for a week, it was a long time," Masunas said.

Animal control officials said there was little water on the homeowner's property, and some stalls had three to four feet of feces inside. They took pictures that they plan to use in court.

Also a topic of concern, one horse is blind and, according to animal control officials, was not living in a safe environment. 

"I don't know how you shut yourself off to that and convince yourself you're doing right," said Masunas.

There are some healthier horses in the bunch that will be available for adoption after the homeowner appears in court on Tuesday, but the current focus for the non-profit is rehabilitating the horses, which does not come cheap.

"The cost of grain, the cost of hay, and the cost of vet care. It adds up," said Masunas.

Those interested in making a monetary donation, hay or other resources including volunteer hours are encouraged to contact Indiana Horse Rescue online.