Investigators arrived at the sale at 2:30pm. There were approx. 100 horses and 2 donkeys present in the extensive pen area.
The majority of the indoor and outdoor pens contained no food or water for the animals. Most horses appeared to be well fed and healthy. However, when investigators walked to the back side of the barn they noticed a group of 4 small ponies/minis.
All four of them were emaciated, however, one was especially bad: She had an open sore on her face that was infested with maggots, her mane was badly tangled and her front hooves were very long. The other pens in this area held more thin horses, mainly young colts and fillies.
The horse sale started and many of the loose horses were sold to two different kill buyers. Investigators were able to buy the little mare for 10 dollars. The sale ended at 4:30pm and investigators observed the sold horses being crammed together in large pens.
A very aggressive stud was put together in a pen with a gelding, which resulted in a lot of fighting, kicking and biting. Shortly thereafter, large semis arrived and backed up to the loading ramps. It appeared that they were waiting for it to get dark, since the loading did not start until 9:00pm.
Investigators took the little mare home and will provide her with a loving home. Animals’ Angels will continue to monitor this auction.