Starved horses seized, rescued | News

YAZOO COUNTY, MS (WLBT) - A week after we brought you a report of a group of starving and dead horses in a pasture in Yazoo County an animal welfare organization has rescued them.

In Defense of Animals -- an international organization that operates an animal sanctuary in Duck Hill, Miss. -- and the Yazoo County Sheriff’s Department obtained a seizure order for all the horses from a judge Wednesday, according to Deborah Young who is acting on behalf of In Defense of Animals.

PHOTO GALLERY: View photos of the horses

Young said five horses have been surrendered and were receiving initial veterinary care Wednesday. They were “safe, warm and being fed,” as of Wednesday evening, she said. Eight more horses were expected to be surrendered Thursday and moved to safe locations for care.

In addition to the starved horses five others were found dead in the pasture near Bentonia.

Young says the Mississippi Board of Animal Health responded after receiving reports of the dead horses. Alvin Ross, the owner of the horses, now faces a $5,000 fine for violating state law on how to handle dead animals, said State Veterinarian Jim Watson, according to Young.

Ross also reportedly transported the horses “without proper testing for Equine Infectious Anemia, a highly contagious disease” -- a violation of Mississippi code, according to Young.

Donations to help offset the rehabilitation and medical costs for these horses can be made through Mississippi Ag and Farrier Supply in Flora, 601-879-3343, or directly to Hope Animal Sanctuary at 52 County Road 241, Grenada, MS 38901.

RELATED: Several horses found malnourished, dead on farm

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