Horse abuse and neglect up in Georgia

The Georgia Department of Agriculture says more horses are being abused. Officials say the drought has a lot to do with the problem. The lack of rain led to hay shortages, and the closing of slaughterhouses. A downturn in the economy also contributed to the problem.

In February inspectors declared an emergency on a Pike County farm where they impounded 99 horses and other animals. Only one of those horses died. The Department of Agriculture can bring civil charges against people who do not take care of their animals. Criminal actions must be pursued by local law enforcement.

The Department of Agriculture says they receive no funds to help care for the animals they are required to impound. The agency does receive some help from the Georgia Equine Rescue league who also own and operate their own foster and adoption programs.

Abused horses sold at auction

54 abused horses have new homes. They were sold at auction Saturday by the Department of Agriculture. The horses are among hundreds of animals rescued earlier this year during a raid on a farm in Pike County. Many of the animals were starving and diseased. The Department of Agriculture says volunteers and donations were responsible for rehabilitating the animals.

Neglected animals need new homes

Horses and donkeys that have been nursed back to health after being discovered neglected need new homes.

The state is auctioning about 50 of the animals off on Saturday. They and hundreds of other animals were rescued from neglect and abuse in February from a farm in Pike County.

They had been under quarantine, but experts say they have recovered well and now need loving homes.

Photos of the animals will be available at the Department of Agriculture’s website www.agr.georgia.gov.

Neglected horses are healthy, ready for auction

The state is auctioning off horses rescued from neglect earlier this year. They are among the more than a hundred horses and dogs found diseased and starving in February on a Pike County farm. The state Department of Agriculture and volunteers have nursed many of the horses back to health. The number of horses that will be auctioned Saturday will be announced Friday. For more information on Saturday’s auction, contact Pony Express Sales in Covington, Georgia.