Rescue of 133 Allegedly Neglected Horses in Maryland

May 4, 2011
HSUS Release

CENTREVILLE, Md.— The Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Days End Farm Horse Rescue and Summer Winds Stables assisted Queen Anne County Animal Control enforcement in the rescue of 133 horses from a Centreville property. The animals were removed from the property by Queen Anne County Animal Control after the County witnessed poor conditions during an inspection of the property. This is one of the largest equine rescues in the state.

When rescuers arrived on the 200-acre property, they found 133 Polish Arabian horses. Many were in poor health and showing signs of neglect. Many of the animals were extremely emaciated and suffering from a variety of medical ailments including overgrown, infected hooves and parasite infestation. Queen Anne County Animal Control initiated this case and reached out to the rescue groups for assistance.

The horses are being transported to several private stables for temporary shelter. All of the horses will be checked by a team of veterinarians and given any necessary immediate medical care. The rescued horses are in the custody of Queen Anne County and will be cared for by The HSUS, ASPCA, Summer Winds Stables and Days End until their owner formally surrenders ownership or successfully petitions a court to have her horses returned.

Statements from groups involved in the rescue:

“The Humane Society of the United States is proud to be able to come to the aid of these animals. Our rescue came not a moment too soon for some of the especially sick horses. There’s no excuse for starving or neglecting an animal. It is the responsibility of every horse owner to provide humane, responsible care for their horses at all stages of their life.” – Stacy Segal, equine protection specialist for The HSUS.

“Over breeding has led to the neglect of many of the impounded horses. Our breeders need to be held responsible.” – Brooke Vrany, Days End.

“These horses have suffered greatly and the ASPCA is glad to be able to lend its assistance and get these animals the treatment and care they so desperately need. Our goal is to work with various animal welfare groups to quickly remove the animals from the property and help them get to a safe place.” – Tim Rickey, senior director of ASPCA Field Investigations and Response.

“Queen Anne County Animal Control is glad to come to the aid of these animals. We will be doing weekly visits to the property to be sure that the remaining horses are being properly cared for.” – Dave MacGlashan, director of Queen Anne’s County Animal Control

Horse owners who can no longer care for their horses have many humane options available to them:
•Sell the horse to a properly vetted, private owner
•Lease the horse to another horse enthusiast
•Donate the horse to a therapeutic riding center, park police unit or similar program
•Relinquish the horse to a horse rescue or sanctuary
•Consider humane euthanasia