A group of horses, rescued from poor conditions and showing signs of neglect, are now getting the care they need in South Florida.
On Friday, the Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation in Palm City received 11 horses at their facility. The group will now care for the animals, helping them recover.
"It’s going to take some time to get the weight back on them, and they haven’t been handled a lot I can tell by just seeing them,” said barn manager Michael Infante.
On October 25, the Union County Sheriff's Office and ASPCA removed 51 horses from a 40-acre property near Lake Butler, north of Gainesville.
The ASPCA says the animals were neglected, some needing immediate medical treatment, and there were also deceased horses on the property.
"From the moment we stepped foot on the property, it was evident that immediate intervention was needed for these animals," said Tim Rickey, Vice President of ASPCA Field Investigations and Response. "Our goal is to provide these animals with much-needed care and seek suitable placement options with our network of equine rescues as we continue to help local law enforcement with the case. This is truly a collaborative effort between law enforcement and animal welfare groups coming together to send a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in the community."
ERAF hopes to put the horses up for adoption in the next 3 to 6 months after they put on weight.
"Hopefully we find them great homes and a family that wants to love them forever,” said volunteer Maryanna Poe.
To donate to the recovery of these horses, click here.
Stay with WPTV on Friday for more coverage of this animal rescue.
