October 18, 2024
On Oct. 17, the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) carried out an emergency rescue of 9 horses from a private barn in Hazelwood, Missouri. The horses are in various conditions, including suffering from overgrown and broken hooves. Most of the horses are of an advanced age and have had no veterinary or basic care for years. Horses include stallions, mares and geldings. Each horse was examined by a large animal veterinarian at the scene prior to being transported to Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.
Acting in cooperation with Hazelwood law enforcement, a warrant was issued by St. Louis County to confiscate the horses after months of failed negotiations with the property owner to inspect the living conditions and the health of the animals. The ACT team was last able to assess the conditions of the horses in January of this year, and at that time offered resources to the owner so she could keep the animals on the condition that ACT be allowed to gain access to the property to reinspect on an ongoing basis. However, subsequent attempts to revisit the property and view the horses by ACT and Hazelwood police were repeatedly refused by the owner. When ACT and Hazelwood police officers arrived on the property on Oct. 17, they observed that the horses had no access to water and were living in and eating their own feces.
“These horses were made to suffer for far too long due to lack of proper care and nutrition, and unfortunately, many may not survive,” said HSMO President Kathy Warnick. “We are grateful for the diligence of the Hazelwood Police Department and their assistance in helping us rescue these animals from such a dangerous and heart-breaking situation. Now that they are safe, we will do everything in our power to rehabilitate each horse so that they have a new chance for the better life that they deserve.”
A date for a disposition hearing to determine whether HSMO will assume legal custody of the horses will take place on Nov. 6 at 3 p.m. If awarded custody, Longmeadow will make the horses available for adoption on a case-by-case basis. There is no current timeline for when they will be ready for their forever home, but interested adopters can check the Longmeadow Rescue Ranch website to see when they become available.
Donations to help support the care of these animals can be made on the HSMO website by clicking here.
To report an animal that may be in danger or is suffering from neglect or abuse, call the local police and the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Hotline at 314-647-4400.
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