From TODAY's Jill Rappaport
As a person who considers my dogs and horses to be my children, I was beyond horrified, heartbroken, and plain SICK to my stomach, to witness such shocking cruelty! On a 500-acre farm in upstate New York, 177 horses were clinging to life, covered in parasites, emaciated, with clumps of hair falling out, cuts, infections, and hooves in desperate need of care. These Thoroughbreds -- once beautiful thriving animals -- were left for months during one of the worst winters we ever had to fend for themselves.
VIDEO: Horses rescued from horrific conditions
Their owner, considered to be a prominent player in the horseracing world, blames the problem on "poor management," not money. He was arrested and charged with 22 counts of animal cruelty, and all his racing privileges have been revoked. The vet on call assures me that ALL the horses have an excellent prognosis, and should recover completely in four to six months.
And the other wonderful news is that 67 of the horses were turned over to authorities, and are up for adoption! So if you have a big backyard, and a big heart, please consider getting one. I hope by doing this story, and showing the world what can happen to our beautiful animals if left in the wrong hands, that this will never happen again! They count on us for love, care and protection. And in return we get them.What a gift!
If you're interested in adopting or donating, please contact the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA at their Web site, or call them at (518) 828-6044.