VERNON COUNTY, MO. -- Authorities in Southwest Missouri rescued 16 horses and 2 donkeys on Friday that were starving on a farm in Vernon County.
Missouri Humane Society investigators are recommending that animal abuse charges be filed in this case.
Authorities also found 7 dead horses on the Vernon County property, as well as a starving dog and cat.
A concerned citizen called the sheriff’s department to report the abuse.
In extreme cases of animal neglect, state law allows for a sentence of 4 years in prison.
Boone County Animal Control officers try to work with animal owners before they issue any charges.
Boone County Animal Control Officer Molly Ault said, “What we try to do is make sure that the owners take care of the problem on the farm or on location. We can make them call in a vet and have the necessary vet care done. We make them follow the advice that the vet gives them.”
The abused animals in Southwest Missouri are staying at a rescue ranch in Union, Missouri for rehabilitation.
During a hearing later this month, authorities will determine whether the rescue facility will keep custody of the animals and eventually put them up for adoption.
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