Rescue Groups Caring For Washington County Abused Horses Need Funding

Deputies in Washington County continue work on an animal neglect case involving 10 horses and five dogs.

They've turned over the malnourished animals to a rescue group, which needs donations to feed the them.

"With the condition of the horses, there is so much neglect that it is to the point of cruelty," said Lori Hall with the Oklahoma Alliance For Animals.

The horses are so neglected that their rib cages are exposed.

They were taken by deputies in Washington County last week.

8/22/2013 Related Story: Deputies Seize 'Malnourished' Horses, Dogs South Of Bartlesville

"We've taken several calls like this in the past, but this one here is probably one of the worst ones I've seen as far as weight on a horse," Washington County Capt. Gary Miller said.

But it's not just the horses.

Several dogs also showed signs of neglect and are in the care of an area rescue operation.

The future of the horses is unknown right now, but the rescuer said she needs more feed and places for them to water.

The advocacy group says it can't release the name of the two rescue groups because of the pending court case.

Hall said the horse rescuer needs donations to help pay for a farrier, dental work, halters and shelter.

"It's going to take a lot of money," Hall said. "We're estimating just for the horses it's going to be a couple of thousand dollars."

Deputies said the horses and dogs were found in an area covered in weeds and brush and very little grass for them to eat on the 10-acre property.

The veterinarian treating the horses says the horses only would have survived a few more months without intervention.

You can find out how to help the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals by clicking here.