MADISON COUNTY, Iowa — Two miniature horses with visible signs of neglect were removed from a property in Madison County on Wednesday, months after concerned neighbors began reporting the issue.
Photos posted to Facebook by AHeinz57 Pet Rescue early Wednesday finally caught the attention of local law enforcement. Dozens of people left comments and shared the post, expressing they were willing and able to help, including Emily Stout.
“I just drove by and the sheriff was there and he said the [Animal Rescue League of Iowa] was coming, so I gave them my name and number and left,” Stout said.
The owner of the two ponies willingly surrendered them. With plenty of experience caring for livestock, Stout was willing to take them in.
“After we left, the sheriff called me ten minutes later and said 'They'll get rid of them, so just come and get them as soon as you can,'" Stout said.
Both ponies had severely overgrown hooves, which can lead to severe health problems.
“If their hooves are not cared for, it's very painful to them," said Robyn Dobernecker, who handles animal cruelty intervention for the ARL. "Horses need to have their hooves. That's their foundation."
According to Dobernecker, Iowa law states that animal owners must provide their animals with "customary husbandary needs". Since horses need regular hoof maintenance, the owner was under violation of the law, allowing law enforcement to finally step in.
"Your local law enforcement agency is the only agency that has the authority to investigate and enforce any violations of the law, including animal abuse or neglect," Dobernecker said.
With proper care, both Stout and the ARL hope the ponies can be nursed back to health. The ARL also told Local 5 that others should be open to stepping in upon noticing animal neglect, just as Stout did, and report any concerns to local law enforcement officials.
As of Wednesday night, no charges have been filed against the owner of the horses. Madison County Sheriff Jason Barnes told Local 5 that this is an open investigation, and their top priority is making sure the horses will be well cared for.