Investigators: Six Animals Rescued From "Horrific" Conditions

Credit: Courtesy of Polk County Sheriff's Office

By: Emily Pace | WSPA-TV
Published: February 17, 2012

POLK COUNTY, N.C. --

Four horses, a donkey, and a pony were taken this week from a farm on Highway 108 in Lynn.

“There was no food and other than one animal having a bucket of algae filled water, there was no water for the animals,” said Polk County Animal Cruelty Investigator Margo Savage.

According to Savage, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was notified about the animals by a utility worker.

Savage is temporarily housing the donkey and pony. The horses are also in foster care. Savage says a veterinarian had to euthanize one due to starvation.

"This level of abuse obviously went on for a long period of time. I was appalled that this could happen in our community,” said Foothills Humane Society volunteer Vard Henry.

The animals were malnourished and Savage says half were found living in knee-deep mud and waste, which is not against the law.

While North Carolina has statewide laws regarding animal cruelty, local governments can enhance those requirements to better protect pets and livestock.

“For instance, it says ‘adequate water is suitable at intervals,’ what is your suitable interval and what is my suitable interval? We would like to have our laws here in Polk County be a little more specific, so that it’s easier for people to comply and understand,” said Savage.

Polk County Manager Ryan Whitson says the area ordinance does what it should.

“We have not had a lot issues. We do review our ordinances from time to time but like I said, in this case I think it goes beyond any local animal control ordinance," said Whitson.

Deputies say charges may soon be filed against the owner of the six animals, who they call a repeat offender. The case is currently being reviewed by the Polk County District Attorney.

In the meantime, Savage knows it’s not easy to make changes to existing regulations, but she will continue to fight, like the animals whose lives were saved.

To report animal abuse in Polk County or speak with an animal cruelty investigator, you can do so by calling the Foothills Humane Society at (828) 863-4444.