Emaciated Horses Rescued Hours Before East Coast Snowstorm

On the eve of late January’s Winter Storm Jonas, Last Chance Ranch rescue of Quakertown, Pennsylvania aided in the rescue of 16 horses and other animals, with 7 horses now under their care.

Photo by Emily Monsen.

When rescuing severely emaciated animals, mere hours can often make the difference between life or death. But with an anticipated record-setting snowstorm on the way, time was never more of the essence than on January 22, 2016, when Last Chance Ranch of Quakertown, Pennsylvania was called to help rescue 16 horses and other farm animals.

Photo by Emily Monsen.

From Last Chance Ranch:

On Friday, January 22nd Last Chance Ranch (LCR) received a phone call to aid in the rescue of over 16 horses. With the impending snow storm, it was imperative to get the most critical horses to the vet. LCR aided in the transport of 5 critical horses to Quakertown Vet Clinic on Friday, which are going to another secure rescue due to the investigation. On Tuesday, January 26th, after the storm subsided, our rescue efforts continued. We were back on the site and transported an additional 7 horses, 20 sheep and 1 dog to our facility for emergency care. Of the horses, three are severely emaciated with a Henneke Body Score of 0, needing round the clock care. Two are pregnant and the other two have a Henneke Body Score between 1 and 2. Four additional horses remain on the scene and cannot be transported until the snow is cleared up more. These horses all have a Henneke Body Score between 2-3 and are being fed by those who assisted with the rescue efforts until it is safe enough to transport them.

Photo by Emily Monsen.

The three emaciated horses that arrived at our facility on Tuesday were not able to stand during the trailer ride. These horses had to be pulled off the trailer and carried into our barn. The worst went to Quakertown Vet Clinic for emergency vet care. The efforts of the team of staff, volunteers and newly made friends for these horses were amazing. Everyone pulled together to literally carry these stoic horses not giving up their will to live.

Details of the situation are not able to be disclosed, as this is an ongoing investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police. This is by far the worst case of neglect LCR has seen. The volume of animals and the number of dead horses on the property was astounding. Last Chance Ranch is doing everything we can to ensure the animals in our care are receiving the veterinary and nutritional care they need to get them back up to speed. We need everyone’s support, prayers and donations if you can to help these animals pull through.

Photo by Emily Monsen.

One of the worst-off horses is Clarissa, a chestnut mare who went down during the trailer ride and could not rise. Volunteers quite literally carried the mare into a stall, and the mare was able to eventually stand. However, she was unable to rise on her own on Wednesday, January 27 — three local fire departments came to Last Chance Ranch’s aid and helped get Clarissa into a sling. Since then, Clarissa has been able to stand without a sling and is demonstrating a great appetite, so her prognosis is good.

Photo by Emily Monsen.

Of the seven horses currently under Last Chance Ranch’s care, two mares are pregnant, so they will remain at the rescue until they’ve foaled and the foals are weaned. Three of the horses are emaciated and will be facing longer recovery times; the remaining horses are not as severely underweight and will be available for adoption when deemed healthy.

Photo by Emily Monsen.

Adoptions coordinator Emily Monsen stated that “we are taking everything one day at a time.”

To make a donation towards the treatment and recovery of these horses, please visit the fundraiser page here.

To continue to follow Last Chance Ranch for developments and news, “like” them on Facebook and visit the organization’s website.

Photo by Emily Monsen.