Community Corner

Rescued Horses Recovering at Dedham Animal Shelter

More than 30 mini horses were rescued from a farm in West Boylston.

 

The Society in Dedham for Apprehending Horse Thieves will have a 14 more horses to keep an eye on.

On Thursday, The Animal Rescue League of Boston and the MSPCA Nevins-Farm rescued 34 miniature horses kept on a small farm in West Boylston.

Find out what's happening in Dedhamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The overwhelmed owner voluntarily surrendered the animals after the state veterinarian concluded that their basic needs were not being met, according to a statement from ARL of Boston.

Fourteen of the thin, internal parasite-laden horses were transported to the , while the remaining 20 were sent to the MPSCA-Nevins Farm in Methuen.

Find out what's happening in Dedhamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“These horses are extremely malnourished due to the alarmingly high level of intestinal parasites that are interfering with their ability to absorb nutrients,” said Dr. Martha Smith-Blackmore, director of Veterinary Medical Services at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. 

All 34 horses are suffering from parasite infections, which will require a precise de-worming protocol to treat.

The horses also are suffering from severe skin infections, commonly referred to as rain rot, as a result of inadequate housing and living mostly outside, according to the ARL.

Animal Rescue League and MSPCA staff will treat the horses, and work on providing them with new homes. The horses being cared for at the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Dedham facility will remain there for the time being for monitoring and to undergo a careful 24-hour feeding program, according to an ARL of Boston statement.

But they need the public's help to get these animals healty again.

The Animal Rescue League of Boston estimates that the cost of treating the 14 horses they are caring for will cost approximately $14,000 - $16,000. The ARL is asking for the public’s support in offsetting these costs. Please donate online at www.arlboston.org/donate


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