Humane Society Seizes and Saves 80 Neglected Horses in Chesterfield County

January 24, 2014

COLUMBIA, SC – January 24, 2014 – The Humane Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which works to end animal overpopulation and investigates and addresses animal cruelty complaints, announces that in December of 2013 the organization rescued and took responsibility for 80 neglected horses in Chesterfield County, S.C.

The Humane Society responded to complaints that the horses, which were in the possession of one couple, were not being provided with fresh water, hay or grain. The Humane Society’s cruelty investigator, Eddie O’Cain, looked into the complaints and all 80 horses were ultimately surrendered to the Humane Society. 

“The Humane Society is proud to work in partnership with local governments as we did in this case with authorities in Chesterfield County,” said Wayne Brennessel, executive director of the Humane Society. “Our cruelty investigator, Eddie O’Cain, has the knowledge and experience to recognize a situation where animals are being harmed and we’re pleased that these horses are now being properly cared for, particularly in these cold winter months. This kind of leadership in situations where animals are being abused is one example of what sets the Humane Society apart from other animal welfare organizations.”

Since December, the Humane Society is pleased to have vetted and placed the horses with their original owners, who bred and raised most of these horses. The former owners are in the process of moving all of the horses from Chesterfield County to its stables out of state. While the horses are being transported to their new home, the Humane Society has worked tirelessly with Chesterfield County Animal Services providing medical care and food and water for the horses, including one pregnant horse.

The Humane Society is no stranger to large-scale animal neglect or horse neglect. In 2008, the organization rescued 49 horses from severe abuse and has spent the last four years caring and providing for the horses, many of which are now with caring, responsible owners in their forever homes.

For more information on the Humane Society, call (803) 783-1267 or visit www.HumaneSC.org. Follow the Humane Society on Facebook.

About the HUMANE SOCIETY

The Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HSPCA) is a Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1902 to address animal welfare issues in central South Carolina. Since its inception, The Humane Society focused on ending animal cruelty, neglect and abuse. In the early 1980s The Humane Society began to address animal overpopulation by offering low cost spay/neuter surgeries. The Humane Society is located at 121 Humane Lane in Columbia.