November 13, 2009
Arkansas Horse Rescue
The HSUS Helps Seize 25 Horses from Horrible Conditions at Mountain View Ranch
The Humane Society of the United States, along with the Stone County Sheriff's Office, The Rescue Wranglers and the Humane Society of Missouri, removed 25 horses from O.K. Trading Post, a trail riding business, on Highway 14 in Mountain View, Ark., Thursday.
The evidence is being reviewed for possible criminal charges. The horses are being taken to The Rescue Wranglers' pasture in White Hall, Ark., where they will receive the attention they deserve.
"The horses were living in deplorable conditions; many of the horses were suffering from saddle sores, were underweight and weren't being cared for properly," said Desiree Bender, The HSUS' Arkansas state director. "The Humane Society of the United States is committed to helping animals in need and applauds local authorities for removing them from a horrible situation."
The owners of the ranch were served with a search and seizure warrant Thursday morning by the Stone County Sheriff's Office, which seized the animals — a total of 25 horses — under the Arkansas Animal Cruelty statute. The action was the result of an investigation stemming from a number of complaints that had been filed with the sheriff's office about the animals' care over the past month. Some of the complaints came from tourists who went to the business to rent horses.
The state Department of Finance, the National Forestry Commission, and the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission are also investigating the business for violations.
Deputies continue their investigation at the ranch today.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.