FRANKLIN CO. (WSLS 10) – Seven emaciated horses were rescued in Franklin County by animal control and taken to the Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue in Hardy.
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On Thursday, February 25, staff from RVHR investigated a case of animal neglect. There they found four mares and one colt in a field emaciated with a body score of only one to two.
According to RVHR, the horses had no access to water or hay and had survived from eating bark off of nearby trees.
RVHR staff say they were told by the owner that there were no other horses on property, however staff later found two more horses locked in small stalls in a building on property. There they found one stud, and one miniature horse standing in "soaked, soupy manure." Staff say they also had no access to hay or water in their enclosure.
The 7 horses were signed over to the county and removed immediately from the property and brought to RVHR for care.
All 7 horses are being treated by an on-staff veterinarian and are currently being evaluated for medical issues.
With the addition of seven new horses, that brings the total number of horses in care on RVHR's property to 62.
RVHR is asking for the public's help in caring for the new additions.
- If you like to help these horses these are the items which RVHR is in need of:
- Grain - Sentinel feeds (LS and Senior) which can be purchased at Tractor Supply in Rocky Mount (RVHR contact is Trina at 540-334-1109) or Doc's Feeds in Salem (Brett - 540-380-3433)
- Hay – Bagged Timothy Alfalfa from Tractor Supply, Square Bales of hay
- Supplements- Corn Oil, Canned Corn, Canned Carrots, Applesauce and sugar cookies from any grocery food store.
- Bedding – RVHR says they use the cedar bedding which can be purchased at Walmart along with any bedding from Southern States or Tractor supply
- Dewormers – 7 Strongid Paste, 7 Quest Gel, 7 Anthelcide EQ and 7 Safe-guard.
- Blankets- 5 size 74 -76 and 1 size 70
- Tack items – 5 full size halter (4 mares, 1 stud) 1 Yearling halter and 1 pony halter. 7 additional hang on fence buckets, additional lead rope.
For Information on how to make a monetary donations to help with the horses veterinary bills Donations can be made via RVHR's website at www.rvhr.com.
Please note that all donors who contribute to the care of these horses will have access to our barn cam where the horses can be visited via the internet at any time for 30 days. The instructions on how to use the webcams will be emailed to each donor.