PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A local woman was convicted Thursday in the abuse of more than a half dozen horses, which were left dirty and starving last month.

The horses are doing much better after spending more than a month at a quarantine site in Westmoreland County. Now, five of them are ready to find a new place to call home.

KDKA was there back in May as the eight horses were rescued from a farm on Harvat Road in Saltsburg.

They were thin, their ribs and hips showed through their coats and their hair was dirty and matted. But now, it’s a much different story.

“The horses now are in good condition. They’re wormed; they’ve lost their winter coat, which they held onto because of poor nutrition, parasites, and now they’re actually gaining weight and getting shiny coats,” said Jan Dillon, of the Humane Society.

The owner of five of the horses, Stacia Bee, has been found guilty of neglecting the animals and will have to pay a $750 fine.

The hearing for Stephanie Baker, who owns three of the horses, has been postponed.

In the meantime, her animals remain in the care of the Second Chance Equine Association.

While the horses are doing visibly better, they are still in need of a permanent place to get some tender loving care.

“Five of the horse are now up for adoption,” said Dillon. “Three of them, we’re taking applications. As soon as we have the next hearing, depending on the outcome, the last three will be up for adoption.”

If you are interested in fostering or adopting one of the horses, you should contact the Second Chance Equine Association.

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