This case of animal neglect started in March of 2008. Yes, 2008. When it was brought to the public's attention, certain KY entities assured us the situation had been taken care of and horses were improving. Over the summer, the horses were able to recover with an abundance of pasture.

However, in February of 2009, these horses once again made the headlines. Over the winter 11 horses had died of starvation and the remaining herd was in deplorable condition. Finally, the owner was charged with animal neglect and in the summer she was found guilty in a jury trial. No animals were seized or removed.

Since the herd consisted of mares and free running stallions most, if not all, mares were pregnant. Approximately eight foals died during birth or shortly thereafter. The authorities still did not intervene.

This case has been dragged out over the summer and finally last week came to an end with the judge's order to remove all the horses from the property which had since been sold due to foreclosure.

Months after months we had been in contact with the county offering them to find homes for these horses IF they were ever taken away from the owner. Now that the order of removal was official, we were hopeful to finally bring this situation to a peaceful end. 

This story turned from bad to ugly when the county official put in charge of the removal, contacted a KY Kill Buyer to run these (mostly unhandled) horses through his auction, well aware of the KB's intention to purchase each and everyone of them.  

Speak Up For Horses and some wonderful individuals gave up their Thanksgiving to work behind the scenes to rectify this disgusting situation.

Last Friday, as the first horses were being loaded to be transported to the auction yard, the judge executive ( who we tracked down on vacation - thank you God and thank you to the person who had his cell phone number) made the call that saved them. All 48 horses were signed over to Speak Up For Horses.

Transportation was re-arranged and they arrived last Friday and we were able to take the deepest breath we ever have.

Preliminary numbers: 10 uncut adult stallions (yes they were running with the mares), weanlings, yearlings, two year olds, geldings and mares which we are assuming to be all pregnant - again.

While a national organization has promised us financial help with feeding these horses, we will need to raise funds for some additional costs.

Friday we are planning an appointment with our vet to have every single male gelded, as well as coggins on all 48 pulled.

I did the math and am proud to report that a local KB just lost out on approximately $ 14,000 in blood money.


If anyone would like to help you can donate via paypal through the website or by snail mail. http://www.speakupforhorses.org/ Please earmark all donations for the "Lucky 48".

Of course all donations are tax deductible.

Media release with videos is up, part one and two: