Emaciated Horses Rescued Hours Before East Coast Snowstorm

When rescuing severely emaciated animals, mere hours can often make the difference between life or death. But with an anticipated record-setting snowstorm on its way to the East Coast, time was never more of the essence than on Friday, Jan. 22, when Last Chance Ranch was called in to help rescue 16 neglected horses and other farm animals in Quakertown, Pennsylvania.

Last Chance Ranch rushed to beat the storm, transporting five of the horses in the most critical condition to Quakertown Vet Clinic that Friday. After the snow storm passed, Last Chance Ranch transported an additional seven horses, two of which were pregnant mares, along with 20 sheep and one dog to their facility for emergency care. Three of the horses were severely emaciated horses and could not stand on the trailer ride to Last Chance Ranch; volunteers aiding the rescue effort carried them off the trailer and into stalls.

“This is by far the worst case of neglect LCR has seen. The volume of animals and the number of dead horses on the property was astounding. Last Chance Ranch is doing everything we can to ensure the animals in our care are receiving the veterinary and nutritional care they need to get them back up to speed. We need everyone’s support, prayers and donations if you can to help these animals pull through,” Last Chance Ranch said on their Facebook page.

The rescue team with Clarissa, one of the horses in the most serious condition. Photo via Last Chance Ranch.

Four additional horses remained on the scene until early this week due to unsafe road conditions caused by the historic snow storm. Volunteers assisting with the rescue effort fed and watered these horses until they could be safely moved from the scene.

“The efforts of the team of staff, volunteers and newly made friends for these horses were amazing. Everyone pulled together to literally carry these stoic horses not giving up their will to live.”

Sadly, one of the horses in critical condition died at Quakertown Vet Clinic over the weekend. Last Chance Ranch is reporting that the remaining horses are responding well to treatment, including Clarissa, a mare who collapsed in her stall and was lifted to her feet with the help of a sling and three local fire departments coming to her aid.

Further details of the neglect case are not able to be disclosed at this time due to the ongoing investigation by Pennsylvania State Police. In the meantime, you can help support these neglected horses and farm animals by making a donation at this link.

“While we have already raised an astounding amount, knowing that some horses are still in critical care and will need veterinary care, as well as at least two of the mares being pregnant, means it looks like we will have these horses for some time yet,” Emily Monsen, Last Chance Ranch’s adoption coordinator and a fellow eventer, said. “We are taking everything one day at a time.”

To make a donation towards the treatment and recovery of these horses, please visit the fundraiser page here. You can view more photos of the rescued horses and follow along with the recovery on Last Chance Ranch’s Facebook page.