It’s too late for one donkey. But investigators are hopeful that the other 12 animals found neglected in a pasture will be able to recover and survive, the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office said today.
Investigators were called to the pasture, located off Yellow Creek Road, earlier this week when an animal owner noticed the apparent neglect, Capt. Frank Reynolds told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Deputies were shocked at the conditions of the horses and animals, who looked emaciated and had no shelter other than trees, Reynolds said.
“It just appears no one gave them proper food,” Reynolds said. “It’s not just about putting a horse in a green pasture.”
The rib cages of most of the animals were visible, and the spine and hip bones of some were also visible, according to an incident report obtained by The AJC. The skeleton of the dead animal was all that remained, the report states. Five animals were unaccounted for, but may have been reclaimed by owners, Reynolds said.
Deputies offered carrots and apples to the animals, but many were simply too weak to eat, Reynolds said.
Two houses are near the pasture, but investigators believe those suspected of allowing the abuse lived elsewhere.
“Apparently our suspects were getting paid to take care of these animals,” Reynolds said.
The 12 surviving animals, including horses and donkeys, have been removed from the pasture and placed with various animal rescue groups. The animals’ recovery could be a slow process, but all have already shown signs of improvement.
Criminal charges have not been filed in the case, which remains under investigation. Animal control officials and the department of agriculture are assisting deputies.
“The charges are secondary at this point,” Reynolds said. “We want to get the horses recovered as quickly as possible.”
The pasture is located in southern Pickens County, about 20 miles northwest of Canton.
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