(PENSACOLA, Fla.) Oct. 25 -- When Panhandle Equine Rescue investigators discovered 12-year-old "Firecracker", they say they could count his ribs. The Tennessee Walking Horse was so emaciated, pictures show his hip bone protruding through his skin. Two hundred pounds later, "Firecracker" is happy, healthy and homeless.
"He had a worm infestation from not having his shots and they didn't think he was going to make it," explained Cindy Magdalaney, a volunteer for Panhandle Equine Rescue. "He did! Now he's going under the saddle."
When shy "Twister" arrived, she was suffering from years of neglect. Now the beautiful gelding gives kisses, bows for a treat, and understands when communicating with volunteers, shaking your head means no.
The public witnessed these success stories, and many more, at the rescue group's first annual "Adoption Day", Saturday, at the Escambia County Equestrian Center in Pensacola. Volunteers were tasked with finding good homes for current rescues immediately, after investigators discovered six more abused horses in Escambia County; one of them a starving colt. Volunteers say lack of space and funding prevented them from assuming custody.
"We can't take on six horses at a time, until people step up and adopt the horses we already have," emphasized Magdalaney.
Panhandle Equine Rescue is the only group investigating allegations of equine abuse in Escambia County. They were appointed by the courts, but operate solely on public donations. To date, they've investigated 112 cases, rescued 57 horses, and saved 470 lives. Without donations, foster families, and permanent homes, the success stories end. Six lives hang in the balance.
For more information on how you can help, visit www.panhandleequinerescue.org or call 850-587-2754.
