Funds sought for neglected horses

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The volunteers who have cared for 37 neglected and rescued horses since August held a fundraiser to help continue that care, Sunday.

When the horses were first found in an Adams County farm, they were extremely malnourished and depressed. "When we brought them in, oh my goodness! They were weak, really thin, very hungry," says Cindy Marckel, who manages the barn at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Monroe.

Police say the state veterinarian board has been getting complaints about the farm on CR 500 North in Adams County for years, but the condition of the horses had never been bad enough to take action until the massive rescue effort in August.

Around 40 volunteers nursed the horses for weeks. That number has grown to more than 100 volunteers over the past eight weeks. "We're talking 12 hours a day in manpower, maybe sometimes more," added Marckel. All that work has resulted in progress. "They're doing great, they're doing great. They're putting on weight. They're more alert. They are actually coming back to life."

The horses' owner, Rick Hill, faces one charge of cruelty to animals. His next court date is this Wednesday. Until the case is resolved, the horses are in the custody of the Adams County Sheriff's Department. And until they find the horses a more permanent home, a committee of volunteers oversee their health. But it comes at a price; physically, emotionally, and financially. It takes $4.50 a day to take care of just one horse. "That's not counting the Vet bills, that's not counting the land, the stalls, anything. That's just hay and grain," said Marckel.

If you would like to make a donation, you can call Operation Charlie Horse at (260) 724-9408. You can also send a donation to 922 N. 2nd St., Decatur, IN 46733.

If you're interested in fostering, call the Adams County Sheriff's Department at (260) 724-7141.