WOODSTOCK–On Thursday, Nov. 13, Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society joined the Village of Woodstock police in the rescue of nearly two dozen seriously malnourished horses from a Woodstock farm. A warrant granting search and seizure rights for the endangered animals–mares, geldings, and stallions of various ages–was approved earlier in the week after the organization ask the police to check on the horses’ welfare.
A subsequent visit to the farm by the police allegedly confirmed that at least five of the horses standing in a front area of the farm appeared to be exceptionally underweight, with ribs and hip bones allegedly protruding from beneath their coats. According to the police, few viable sources of water, food (besides short field grass), or shelter were immediately apparent.
Additional investigation and consultation with equine veterinarians supported the decision to execute the warrant, so that the horses could be transferred to a location where Lucy Mackenzie staff and volunteers could begin providing them with the care, shelter, and nourishment they will require in coming weeks.
“We are tremendously grateful to the Woodstock police and to volunteers from Woodstock and surrounding communities for their help in rescuing so many endangered animals under extremely challenging circumstances throughout the day,” said Heidi Edmunds, executive director of the organization. “But our work has just begun. Each of these horses will need the continued support of volunteers, foster caregivers, and the generosity of donors…to return them to health during the winter months ahead.”
For more information visit www.lucymac.org.
