On December 9, 2010, members of the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response (FIR) Team arrived at a farm in rural Fulton County, Arkansas, to rescue more than 100 neglected horses. Most of the horses were starving, and many had open wounds, untreated fractures, infections and other ailments.

The ASPCA, called to the scene after a seven-month investigation by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, immediately set to work to provide the horses with food, water and veterinary care, and has continued to work day and night to care for the horses. Many team members missed holidays with their families to stay and care for the horses, and the group even endured severe Arkansas weather to ring in the new year by the animals’ side. “There is no doubt in any of our minds that this is where we belong — we owe these animals a second chance,” says Kat Destreza, ASPCA Southeast Director of Field Investigations and Response.

The team’s round-the-clock work mucking and stripping stalls, maintaining a strict feeding and watering schedule, and administering medications (and lots of carrots) has paid off. Most of the horses are responding well to veterinary care, and they’re regaining strength every day. “The horses are still under quarantine and are not yet available for adoption,” says Kyle Held, ASPCA Midwest Director of Field Investigations and Response, “but we’re hoping once they become available, the community will open their arms and offer these beautiful animals permanent homes.”

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