Second Chance Ranch and Rescue is caring for the starved animals
CHARLEVOIX CO., MI -- Starved and neglected horses have a new home right here in Northern Michigan.
Earlier this week, 12 horses were seized from a Livingston County ranch.
Seven of them are in Northern Michigan, including four at a Charlevoix County ranch.
Horses’ chewing on hay is a great sign and really a good ending to tough times for four horses at the Walloon Equestrian Center in Charlevoix County.
"They were pretty hungry. It’s tough to say how long they've been without food," said Dr. Pam Graves, President of the Second Chance Ranch and Rescue out of Boyne City.
Seven horses in total have been brought up to the area since the animal control seized the animals. Dr. Graves took in five horses on Wednesday. Four are at the Equestrian Center; the stallion is at her ranch in Boyne City. Friday, the horses were being put back on the right track, even though it was clear they were a little stubborn.
“They seem to be doing great, probably the best health issue to deal with is starvation and neglect, it doesn't seem any of them have been abused, just not taken care of," said Dr. Graves.
Their heads have been dug into that hay bale since they've been here, and Dr. Graves says that's a great sign. You can see a lot of their spine and it's not a good thing, it means they're malnourished, but with this hay, she says they can beef up and make it through winter.
"Just knowing there's food available and knowing things on two legs with no hair can be trusted," explained Dr. Graves about how these horses will handle a new setting.
Dr. Graves says the horses’ weights aren't horribly low, only between 100 and 200 pounds underweight, but they do suffer from some health issues which they're working on. And soon enough, the once staved horses, will need homes.
A Gaylord rescue took in the other two horses here in Northern Michigan.
To learn more about the horses, or if you’re interested in fostering or adopting one, CLICK HERE.
Second Chance Ranch and Rescue also hopes to have some grain donations to help feed the horses.
