Rescued Horse Dies, Part Of Growing Problem In Westmoreland Co.
WESTMORELAND COUNTY (KDKA) – Despite the efforts of rescuers, a horse that was found abandoned and was rescued last week has died.
And unfortunately these types of cases are becoming more frequent.
The images of the horse were disturbing, it was so neglected it struggled just to stand up.
"She was emaciated, probably 400 pounds underweight," said Scott Downs with Second Chance Equine Association. "There wasn't an ounce of fat on her."
Rosie, a 30-year-old mare was found abandoned on the side of a road in Derry Township. Her condition was shocking to those who tried to save her at Second Chance in Hunker.
"She was so weak, the wind could have blown her over," Downs said.
Officials with Second Chance say they've rescued 136 horses and in that time they've only lost three – Rosie the third.
And what happened to her is happening more and more.
"It could be the economy, takes a lot of money to handle boarding and taking care of a horse," Downs said.
Second Chance was Rosie's only hope. A donated barn is the center of operations – not nearly enough for the increase in neglect and abuse numbers they are seeing.
"The hay this season isn't that good for the farmers," Downs said. "The talk is this might be the beginning of a lot more."
"We have a barn that gets the horse up and gets them out of the weather," he added, "but it's not where it needs to be."
If you'd like more information or would like to get involved in Second Chance Equine Association, you can visit their website at: www.secondchanceequine.com.
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