A dozen horses were rescued after alleged starvation and neglect. It all started after Livingston County Animal Control got several anonymous tips from concerned people in the area.
Animal control says they made multiple attempts to work with the owner but it got to the point where it was time to take matters into their own hands. It happened at a farm just north of Howell in Livingston County.
The rescue lasted about two hours. One by one the Livingston County Animal Control, with help from the Michigan Horse Welfare Coalition, loaded what appears to be 12 severely thin and starved horses into trailers.
Even though the rescue went smoothly overall, there is still always room for concern.
"You're also worried about how the horses are going to react. There's always some fear and reaction on their part they don't know what's going to happen to them," said Jill Fritz with the Michigan Horse Welfare Coalition.
The rescue was not an easy task. It seemed like many of the horses were not used to being handled by humans.
The most obvious signs of possible neglect you can see at fist glance.
"Their body condition was the most alarming. They appeared to have not been fed for a long period of time and had bones sticking out and protruding from their sides and their hips," said Fritz.
Sadly it seems these rescues are becoming more of a trend in these tough economic times and officials want people to know help is out there.
"We'd like to help if we can, rather than come and take the animals away," said Debbie Oberle with the Livingston County Animal Control, "There is help available to you, but if you don't take care of your horses and you don't take advantage of your resources then law enforcement is going to have step in."
Animal control can not tell us if the owner would be charged until all evaluations of the horses are complete. For now, the horses are safe at a sanctuary in Brighton while the investigation continues.
