10 miniature horses surrendered by NH owners after officials receive reports of neglect
Authorities removed 10 miniature horses from a New Hampshire property Sunday after receiving complaints that the animals had been neglected, according to the New Hampshire SPCA.
The New Hampshire SPCA and police were notified that the miniature horses were living in unsafe conditions in Dalton on Saturday. On Sunday, state troopers, a member of the SPCA, a veterinarian, and the horses’ owners met, leading officials to learn that the owners had become unable to care for the animals and the property. The owners voluntarily surrendered the horses, New Hampshire State Trooper’s Association said.
“This seems to be a case of owners becoming overwhelmed and unable to care for the animals they have,” Steve Sprowl, manager of field services at the New Hampshire SPCA, said in a statement. “They did the right thing for the animals by surrendering them now. We wish that the condition of the horses hadn’t been allowed to diminish this much before we were asked to help.”
The horses are between 1 and 16 years old, and their health conditions vary, officials said. The New Hampshire SPCA will test the horses for diseases and parasites and provide them with medical care.
The Stratham-based organization is accepting donations from the public to help cover the cost of care. Officials said the horses will be placed up for adoption after receiving proper care and recovering.
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