Neglect of animals investigated after Va. horses found dead

SOMERSET, Va. (AP) _ Officials in Orange County investigating the neglect and mistreatment of dozens of animals at an animal rescue farm say a dozen horses were either found dead or have been put down.

A volunteer with an equine rescue group said horses at Peaceable Farm looked like “skin stretched over a skeleton.”

Media reports say Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue is sheltering 29 horses and a donkey that were removed from the farm amid an investigation by the sheriff’s office.

The farm surrendered more than 70 horses and 35 cats and dogs. Armed with a search warrant, the sheriff’s office went to the property on Monday.

The farm owner still has 18 horses, two donkeys, a bull and several cats. The owner had not been charged with any crimes.

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