Horses seized in Orange County neglect case seized again from different horse rescue

Six horses authorities say were mistreated and neglected at an Orange County farm last year were seized again this week from a different horse rescue due to poor conditions and care, Orange County authorities said Thursday.

Several horses seized from Peaceable Farm have been seized again by authorities after deputies received multiple complaints that the animals at New Beginnings Horse Rescue, a privately-owned facility in Aylett, Virginia, had little or no food and water.

New Beginnings Facebook Page

Anne Shumate Williams
Peaceable Farms owner Anne Williams

Orange County Commonwealth’s Attorney Diana O’Connell says six of the 42 horses seized had originally come from Peaceable Farm, where in October 2015, deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office led a raid where more than 100 horses and many cats and dogs were discovered. Anne Goland (aka Anne Shumate Williams) surrendered more than 80 horses, 28 cats, and 7 dogs over the course of a few days.

Eleven horses of those horses from Peaceable Farm were taken to New Beginnings.

“It is deeply discouraging that these horses have suffered abuse and lack of care again. Unfortunately, Orange County does not have jurisdiction over these animals,” wrote the sheriff’s office in a release. “We understand, and share, the deep concern and frustration of all those who are outraged at the suffering these horses have endured. The fact that the situation in King William County is strikingly similar to what occurred in Orange County last October underscore the reality that the lack of oversight, inspection and regulation of animal rescue facilities in Virginia limits the ability of local government to prevent, manage or budget for these situations.”

Virginia does have a Horse Industry Board, but its goals include “the promotion and economic development of the horse industry.” Other states’ boards, such as the Maryland Horse Industry Board, serve regulatory roles in addition to promoting the industry.

On Thursday, authorities charged Cassy Newell Reed, the owner of New Beginnings Horse Rescue, with three misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. Reed has been summoned to appear June 16 in King William General District Court for arraignment on the charges.

 

Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue seeks help to rehibilitate horse found starving in Franklin County

The Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue has welcomed Stallone, a 28-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, to its herd.

In a news release, RVHR wrote, “It is the second week of June and we can’t understand why this sweet 28 year old TB gelding is in such unthinkable condition.  He was found loose in Franklin County searching for food.  As we can all see why he only weights 823 LBs!  His past owner has signed him over to the county and his situation is being investigated at this time. Our vet was here last night to draw blood and do a fecal to see if there are any underline issues we need to help him with other then he was being starved to death.”

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Stallone, a 28-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, was found walking loose in Franklin County. He has been surrendered to Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue. Photo courtesy RVHR

The rescue will start his rehabilitation  with getting Stallone’s teeth floated. That alone will cost about $200.

Because his rehabilitation will take a long time, the rescue is seeking monthly sponsors to help care for his needs. (to become a recurring monthly sponsor please got to https://www.givedirectcharity.org/donate/?cid=11590 to set up your donation)

They are also in need of grain for Stallone.  The rescue will be using Sentential Senior which can be purchased from Tractor Supply in Rocky Mount.  If you like to donate a bag you can call and speak to Trina at 540-334-1109.  The rescue will also need bagged hay and bedding.

Stallone will also need:

  • Weight builder any kind
  • Canned Corn
  • Canned Carrots
  • Apple sauce
  • Corn Flakes
  • Lots of Corn Oil

Anyone who makes a donation to help care for Stallone will be sent information on how to access his stall camera so that you can check in on him whenever you like.

Donations are also appreciated, even if you cannot do a monthly sponsorship, and can be made through the rescue’s online donations partners GivedirectJustGive or on the rescue’s website.