Several horses confiscated in a March 12 Warren County Humane Society operation have been released to a good home.
According to Society Director Karen Kolos, six draft horses were taken to the Gentle Giant Draft Horse Rescue of Maryland on Saturday, May 16. Another horse will follow soon.
"Christine Hajek (director of the rescue facility) spent two days in Warren evaluating the horses and getting them ready for transport to her facility," Kolos said.
"Christine's organization specializes in the rehabilitation of drafts and has generously accepted seven of our horses," Humane Society President Marilla Norton said.
"The horses will receive extensive training and specialized veterinary care," Kolos said.
"We are excited for this opportunity for these horses to be given a second chance at becoming well-mannered, healthy horses for their new owners," Norton said.
Over the last two months, the Humane Society was responsible for the care of the 13 horses and 10 cows that were confiscated in relation to a cruelty to animals case.
All of the cattle and all but two of the horses have now been placed in new homes, Kolos said. "This was the most financially and physically challenging case our shelter has faced since our cruelty program began in 1996," she said.
"This rescue has strained our resources," Norton said. "We are very thankful for the donations we received from a generous community that helped defray some of the initial expenses we incurred in caring for and feeding these large animals. The Humane Society continues to be appreciative of donations received to help defray the financial responsibility inherent for the daily care and feeding of the remaining horses until they are placed."
The barns at the Warren County Fairgrounds were never intended to be a long-term home for any of the animals. "Although the Humane Society has done a lot to this point, these horses need so much more than we can give them," Kolos said. "We learned very quickly these are not just regular saddle horses. Drafts have special needs and their size alone limits them to certain barns and new homes."