CT Organization Rehabilitates Horses In Animal Abuse Case

EAST HAMPTON, CT — Ten horses seized in an animal neglect case this summer out of Willimantic needed to find homes. That's where the Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue, an East Hampton non-profit, stepped in.

The organization took in seven draft horses and one mule. Two mini donkeys also seized in the case went to All the Kings Horses in Northford, an organization better suited for small horses.

The horses were found neglected and malnourished in June at a home on Scotland Road in Willimantic. Two people were arrested and charged with 11 counts of cruelty to animals, according to The Chronicle of Willimantic.

Animal Control contacted Dr. Stacey Golub, founder of Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue and an equine veterinarian, to ask if the organization had space for the horses. She said they did, and the animals were transported to the rescue.

"We knew it was going to be a challenge right off the bat," Stacey Randall, barn manager for the Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue, said. "We had to shuffle around the entire herd to make space."

The horses were given medical exams and found to be "extremely underweight." Some also had lice issues and one had an embedded halter that left a wound.

"We took them in with open arms and open hearts," Randall said. "They're doing much better now."

All of the horses have put on between 200 and 400 lbs. of weight since arriving at the rescue.

The horses have also had their immunizations and multiple visits from a farrier to fix various hoof issues.

Randall said two of the horses are stallions. Normally, the organization would have the horses gelded, as "part of our mission is to have less backyard breeding," Randall said.

However, the organization does not have legal custody of the horses. The custody court cases ended recently, and a judge will make a final decision on this case this week.

A mare had a tumor which requires surgery, but again the rescue is not currently allowed to make arrangements for surgery due to the pending custody case.

Two of the horses were also pregnant. Randall said they've added a maternity ward to accommodate these horses.

"It's been a big production to say the least," she said.

Randall said if the organization is granted legal custody, "we will be absolutely thrilled."

She said not much will change in terms of the day-to-day care of the horses, but once the horses are 100 percent health, they will be evaluated for adoption.

Randall thanked the supporters and volunteers that have helped the organization take in the horses.

Learn more about the Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue by clicking here.