08/20/2008

Associated Press

Authorities investigating a complaint of animal starvation rescued four horses from a property in Central Point.

A fifth horse died by the time authorities arrived Friday.

Colleen Macuk, program director for Jackson County Animal Care and Control Center, said shelter officers called in sheriff's deputies because the small herd was in such bad shape.

No charges have been filed, but the investigation remains active. The owner signed the horses over to animal control.

"It was really pretty awful. It was definitely the worst we've seen in quite awhile," Macuk said.

Volunteers from the Equamore Foundation responded to animal control's request to collect, house and care for two stallions and two mares.

The weak, ill and half-wild horses were herded into trailers and taken to an Ashland farm. Veterinarians, farriers and volunteers will feed the skinny horses, rid them of parasites, trim their deformed and overgrown hoofs, and file their broken, rotted or sharp-edged teeth.

The Equamore Foundation is currently caring for 32 rescued horses.