Horses Hooves Not Trimmed For 15 years – Grow to 3 Feet Long

“OMG…can you believe the picture below?? I’ve only seen hooves like that once before; on a dead horse!! How can the owner have let them get into such a state they could barely move? It’s not like their so skinny they haven’t been fed, ok not a lot of food, but somebody had to have been giving them something; they couldn’t have lived to their ages without any food or water!! I just can’t understand how anyone, even someone with no knowledge of horses at all, is that dumb, to think it’s ok to just leave them! The poor horses must have been agony, any horsey person knows to keep a horse fit & pain free, a farrier is God; horses hooves need trimming between 6-8 weeks it varies; even if they don’t have shoes on, they still need to be trimmed!!

“I just pray whoever owns these horses, get what they deserve; in this instance prison without probation, along with having to pay in full, all vet & farrier bills. It’s going to take a lot of work from a very good farrier to get their hooves back into shape….but even if they do, the horses may be unfit to ride; due to irreversible damage to the structure of their hooves. I’m just in shock & have nothing but utter disgust at the owner’s blatant abuse & disregard for the health & welfare of these poor innocent horses!! R.I.P little one. Many thanks to (http://www.defhr.org/)USA for taking care of these equine!”

By Charlotte Ricca-Smith on 25th-Aug-2015

‘Critical condition’

The emaciated animals were discovered standing knee-deep in muck and with hooves more than three feet long. 

A miniature mare had to be euthanised at the scene due, because ruptured ligaments had caused the fetlocks to dislocate. The two others – one a full-sized stallion and one a miniature stallion ­– were in a ‘critical condition’.

“It’s the worst we’ve seen in our 26-year history,” Caroline Robertson, the development director of Days End Farm Horse Rescue told Caroll County Times. “They could barely move without being at risk of getting tangled in their own hooves.”

Three neglected horses have been found, with feet so overgrown it is believed they were locked up for at least 15 years.

Hooves removed

Before the horses could be removed from the scene, they had to be sedated so they could lie down and have the excess hoof removed. They were then taken to Days End Farm Horse Rescue (DEFHR) in Maryland, (http://www.defhr.org/)USA for rehabilitation.

The horses were discovered when a member of the public called the Humane Society of Washington County with concerns about pet pigeons kept there. It was during the welfare inspection that the equines were found.

‘Long road’

Both horses have been aged at around 18. The horse has been called Quest, while the surviving pony has been named Rio. Both have received further treatment from a farrier and vet and are now on the “long road” to rehabilitation.

An investigation into the case is on-going and cruelty charges could be brought.“Never mind could be…they definitely should be!!”

Days End Farm Horse Rescue is a non-profit organisation which currently provides rehabilitation and ongoing care for 78 rescue horses

News Link:–http://www.horseandcountry.tv/news/2015/08/25/horses-hooves-not-trimmed-15-years

 

Neglected, Chained Dog Dies In The Bitter Cold

“Just heartbreaking, all that was needed was a bit of compassion, love & warmth. Another dog that was used as just a garden ornament…WTF…if you have a dog that’s tied up outside all the time, not allowed into the home…why do you have a dog at all??  Instead of a living creature, just get a proper alarm system, one that won’t feel pain & die a slow death because it’s not taken care of.! This just makes me furious! I hope the owners are taken to court & charged with animal cruelty etc. because they have to pay; nobody should be allowed to get away with murder! 

“Apparently charges have been brought against the owner of the dead boxer. Read the latest news from RRR at the end of this post Or visist their Facebook page:-https://www.facebook.com/roughroadrescue“

Perry County’s animal rescue team, Rough Road Rescue, is on a mission to prosecute two Brewer pet owners who neglected their dogs — one to the point of death.

After Linda and Steve Svehla, of RRR, were called to a home Sunday concerning a dead boxer lying in the snow (and a second dog that was severely malnourished), the couple is now seeking justice for the animals.

The boxer’s living space

The dog owners, and residents of the Brewer home, are in the process of moving out, but apparently had intentions of leaving their pets behind, Steve Svehla said.

In the days leading up to RRR’s visit on Sunday, a concerned neighbour noticed consistent neglect of the dogs, including lack of food, water and proper shelter. She made every attempt to notify the owners of her concern, but Svehla said the owners were uncooperative.

“The neighbour contacted the people several times with concerns about the dogs,” Svehla said. “After so many times, she got really concerned, so she planned to take food and water over. When she got there, the boxer didn’t respond. It was barely breathing.”

The neighbour took the boxer home in hopes of reviving it, but it was too late. Unsure of what to do with its body, especially with no direction from the owner, the neighbor placed the boxer inside a makeshift doghouse located on the owner’s property.

As reports of snow came in, the neighbor couldn’t stand to see the dog’s body freeze, so she covered it, Svehla said. Meanwhile, the second dog, a lab, was nearby, also without proper care. The rescue couple would later learn the dogs belonged to two different owners who are both believed to be residents of the Brewer home.

“They belonged to people in the process of moving out,” said Linda Svehla. “The two dogs that were there belonged to two different people, but they still left them there. The owners were coming and going, moving stuff out, and there were no tracks [in the snow] going back to the dogs.”

Fed up with lack of concern, the neighbor contacted the Perry County Sheriff’s Department on Sunday. Upon arrival, deputies contacted RRR.

“We took possession of the lab,” Steve Svehla said. “We wrapped the boxer in a blanket and took it [to a local vet]. The only protection that dog had was a wooden box.”

Svehla said he believes the dog owners are aware of current circumstances, but have still made no attempts to learn of their dogs’ whereabouts or well-being. As far as he knows, Svehla said the owners know of the boxer’s death.

Currently, the Svehlas are sheltering the lab, and said she’s doing well. An autopsy has been performed on the boxer to check for another, undisclosed form of animal abuse, and the couple is awaiting results.

“We’re looking to prosecute,” Steve Svehla said. “I’ve given the sheriff’s department all our information on this. If [the county] chooses not to prosecute this, we’ll take it further ourselves.”

The couple posted a photo of the dead boxer on their Facebook page with an explanation of its circumstances.

Several thousand Facebook users have shared the photo, or commented on it with disdain and concern.

“We’re getting responses everywhere,” Svehla said. “People need to be aware. This is just not acceptable.”

To stay updated with the Svehlas and their endeavor to bring the dogs to justice, follow their page on Facebook under “Rough Road Rescue, Inc.”

News Link:-http://www.perryvillenews.com/archive/article_e30448aa-6341-11e3-870a-001a4bcf6878.html

Help did not come in time!

Thousands of people are mourning the senseless death of a beautiful dog they did not know…a neglected, tethered dog who was left outside in frigid conditions, without adequate shelter…a dog who perished as a result.

Rough Road Rescue, Inc., which is located in Perry County, Mo., shared the bitter news of the neglected boxer‘s passing via Facebook on Sunday:

Both of these dogs was tied out. no food no water and barely any protection. Well I have both the animals. It kills me to say, I was called a little late. This beautiful animal (boxer) couldn’t stand the bitter cold with no food or water to sustain his body.

He laid down and died. By himself with no one to comfort him. Except for the other dog. A chocolate lab, which was unable to get close to the boxer and watched as her friend froze to death. She is safe and will be cared for here at the rescue.

The rescue added:

I will bury her friend out here. And give him the respect he deserved.

Extreme winter weather is blanketing much of the nation – unfortunately, many dogs are not provided with the comfort and safety of a warm home to shield them from the elements, and they are left to their own devices outdoors.

If you see a dog who has been left outdoors, without adequate protection from the elements, please reach out for help. If the dog’s owner is unwilling to remedy the issue, contact local animal control officials as soon as possible.

News Link:-http://www.examiner.com/article/neglected-chained-dog-dies-the-bitter-cold

About Rough Road Rescue Inc.:-

Rough Road Rescue, Inc. is a state licensed animal rescue located just outside of Perryville, Mo. It’s a small organization, started in early 2013, and operated by its founders, Steve and Linda Svehla. The rescue is located on the couple’s property just yards from their backdoor and located seven miles from Perryville. It is the only licensed animal rescue in Perry County, Mo.

The name Rough Road Rescue is not only depictive of the events that lead animals to the rescue, but equally as consistent with the beginning of the organization itself. It has indeed been a rough road for all, but according to Steve and Linda Svehla, one well worth traveling.

It started with a dog wandering into the Svehla’s yard. A hound that had somehow gotten through the fence surrounding their yard, and found its way onto an old tarp for refuge from the frozen ground. Upon investigation, the Svehla’s discovered the hound was starving and its feet were frostbitten. They decided to take the hound in, give him a real home, and named him Sam.

After taking on Sam, the Svehla’s agreed to do what they could to help other stray pets. That was the beginning of Rough Road Rescue, Inc.

Shortly after opening, the rescue obtained its license through the Missouri Department of Agriculture, is a registered charity with the Missouri Attorney General, and is currently going through the process to become a 501(3)c non-profit organization. A non-profit status will enable donors to deduct their contributions to the rescue on their taxes as well as open doors for the rescue to seek grants to help fund their operation.

Since the creation of Rough Road Rescue, Inc., the project has grown to nine outdoor kennels, an isolation kennel, and a substantial exercise yard. Having no paid employees or regular volunteers, the Svehla’s provide care for the animals on their own. The rescue is a non euthanizing operation and pets taken in by RRR remain there until they are adopted or sent on to other rescues.

Early on the Svehla’s approached the city and county governments as well as another local animal welfare organization, to offer their assistance with local strays. RRR was met with skepticism and opposition that made its way into the local news on more than one occasion.

While Rough Road Rescue has formed a line of communication with local government entities, cooperation is far from desirable and the rescue works consistently to improve relations with local offices and law enforcement. It is the intent of RRR to be persistent until a good relationship can be established and therefore save lives and provide care for the needy strays in the area.

Being a small, no-kill operation, the rescue has it’s limitations but takes in each new ward as available space allows. Despite those limitations, RRR is not “selective” of the animals they take in. Dogs and cats alike have been housed at the rescue, and the dogs that have been there have come in all sizes and breeds.

To date, Rough Road Rescue has rescued and rehomed more than 30 animals and have crossposted countless numbers of lost pets, helping them find their way back home.

Several of the pets taken in by the rescue have required extensive medical treatment provided by local veterinarian, Dr. Freeman at All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, LLC, in Perryville, Mo. Most recently RRR took in a dog with severe injuries as a direct result of extreme abuse. The dog had to have its leg amputated but is expected to make a full recovery.

If you would like to contribute to veterinarian expenses incurred by the animals of Rough Rough Rescue, Inc., you may make direct contributions to All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, LLC, 202 E. Ste. Maries, Perryville, Missouri 63775.

For more information about Rough Road Rescue, Inc. you can contact them by calling (573) 547-8070. Donations can be mailed to Rough Road Rescue, Inc. (R.R.R. Inc.) 9126 S. Hwy. 51 Perryville, MO 63775. Donation may also be made online through the Facebook page of Rough Road Rescue.

FaceBook Page:–https://www.facebook.com/roughroadrescue

RRR. Latest News Regards The Above:-

We have been requested from the sheriffs dept. That we post to ask everyone to stop calling the department asking what’s going on. And since the department is releasing this info. Then I will let everyone know what’s going on. There were two dogs at this residence. Two owners. I was called by the sheriffs office on sunday at 9:44am that a animal had been abandoned. I met the deputy at this home.

It was requested that I take the lab into my possession, then informed there possibly was another dog across the yard dead, again the deputy requested that I take it also. Making a long explanation shorter. The owner of the boxer was charged last night. I was also informed by the deputy that I had to return the lab to the other owner. Even though neither animal had food water or appropriate shelter.

The only difference was one animal survived. the owner showed up this morning, with the charged owner and took possession of the lab. With the understanding we had concerns about the well being of this lab. That’s it in a nut shell…..it’s a sad day for us at the rescue. This will continue to happen if we don’t get the laws changed. My opinion only.

Love & Repect Steve

https://www.facebook.com/roughroadrescue

During Tough Economic Times Pet Food Stamps Helping Families Keep Their Dogs

“What a great idea, watch the video, this could mean many hundreds if not thousands of pets (depending on how much the organization can get in donations)would not have to be surrendered; freeing up much needed space in shelters for injured animals etc. This could also mean many pets won’t have to starve to death either…what’s their owners excuse going to be, when they get in front of the judge “for starving their dog to death…no more excuses!!! Aside from lazy buggers who couldn’t be bothered to get the food??”

Over the past couple years the economy has hit many families hard. Some have even been forced to give up their dogs because they can no longer afford to adequately care for them.

Pet Food stamps, a new non-profit organization, is hoping to help families avoid having to give up their pets.

Food Stamps For Pets

Published on 26 Feb 2013

Program provides pet owners with handout

Pet Food Stamps is based out of New York and is offering “food stamps” for low income families that can’t afford to feed their pets. The current United States Food Stamp Program excludes the purchase of pet food and supplies. Pet Food Stamps is remedying that issue.

Families are not the only ones who will benefit from this program. Shelters are hopeful that this will help reduce the number of dogs on the streets and in overcrowded shelters. Many shelters across the nation have reported a recent increase in the number of pets surrendered by owners because owners have faced economic hardship.

Marc Okon is the creator of the Pet Food Stamps program, which runs off private donations. The program has only been running for a few weeks but has already received an overwhelming amount of applications. “We’re receiving several thousand applications a day, and with each application there may be two or three dogs or two or three cats,” said Okon. “So in total we have over 40,000 cats and dogs already awaiting food.”

Okon is hoping to find corporate sponsorships and steady funding for the program. “The love of a pet, the therapeutic ability of a pet and things like that are impossible to measure. It gives us a great feeling of pride to be able to help people like that and we’re happy to do it,” said Okon. The program is easy to apply for. Anyone who is receiving food stamps or is around or below the poverty level can go to the Pet Food Stamps website to fill out a contact form to be contacted by an enrolment agent and being the application process.

The program currently offers food and hopes to expand into discounted veterinary care as well later in the year. Until the program finds corporate sponsorship and steady funding it relies solely on private donations. If you wish to help you can make a donation through the Pet Food Stamps website.

News Link:-http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/03/during-tough-ecomonic-times-pet-food-stamps-helping-families-keep-their-dogs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LifeWithDogs+%28Life+With+Dogs%29

Abused and abandoned puppy found with hind legs broken

“OMG…Watch the video…what is wrong with the world, again, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s not kids that did it…my heart breaks for this precious little angel. I hope those who did it are caught & beaten with plywood or a baseball bat…see how they like it.!! You have no idea how hard it is for me not to type what I really want to type about the scum bag that did this…but then, if your anything like me…hopefully you do, because you would type the same. I will try to get updates on this, or if others get them, please post a copy to me, thanks!!”

SAN ANTONIO—An abused puppy was discovered abandoned in the woods, with both hind legs broken. Animal specialists believe that the dog might have been hit with a baseball bat.

San Antonio Pets Alive, a nonprofit group, is now trying to save the life of the five-month-old Labrador and Shar-Pei mix.

“Havana” was found sitting in the woods by a park ranger who brought her to San Antonio Animal Care Services.

When she arrived, she was barely able to move around and had to balance all of her weight on her two front legs.

X-rays revealed that she had two broken knees, and that she will need surgery to correct them. The surgery is expected to cost over $1,000 per leg.

But now, the animal is receiving a second chance at life.

Dr. Susan Isreal with South Texas Veterinary Specialists has agreed to do the surgery pro bono.

Isreal says the bones in Havana’s back legs are severely displaced and have already started to heal incorrectly.

She and her medical team will use pins to correct the problem so that the puppy will be able to go on and have a normal and happy life. Havanah’s surgery is scheduled for Friday morning.

Video & News Link:- http://www.khou.com/news/texas-news/Abused-and-abandoned-puppy-found-with-hind-legs-broken-164865766.html