Some neglected and malnourished horses were rescued from a Warren County farm, and have since gotten the care they need courtesy of a Gallatin rescue group.
The non-profit group, Volunteer Equine Advocates (VEA), helped the Warren County Sheriff's Department rescue the horses from a farm in McMinnville over the weekend.
Four mares and four stallions were removed from the property. Three horses were found dead.
The eight horses were transferred to the VEA farm off Coles Ferry Road in Gallatin where they are receiving care and attention. Volunteers said the horses were found in horrible conditions and had various medical issues.
“They were not very well cared for,” said Alisha Rupp, with Volunteer Equine Advocates. “They have rain rot, which is a skin fungus, one is missing her two front teeth, and they haven’t been groomed or sufficiently fed.”
Rupp said she believes some of the mares rescued may be pregnant, as well. A veterinarian is coming Tuesday to inspect all the horses.
“I’ve seen some of the worst of the worst,” said Rachel McAuley, with Volunteer Equine Advocates. “It is heart wrenching. I go through so many emotions in one day in one rescue.”
McAuley said now they are focusing on feeding the horses and getting them socialized.
“They seem very happy and content and you can tell they feel safe,” said McAuley. “They are getting their needs met.”
The Warren County Sheriff's Department has not released the horses’ owner's name, or if the individual will face charges.
VEA has been helping law enforcement agencies with animal rescue operations across Tennessee for the last 13 years. Volunteers at VEA said Spring tends to be their busiest time, and the organization relies heavily on donations. For more information, or to help, you can visit: http://www.veatnhorserescue.com/
