4 Horses Rescued From Iowa Property, 2 In Severe Condition

*This post does include photos of neglected animals*

After years of neglect, authorities have taken action to help a group of malnourished horses.

The Animal Rescue League was called by sheriff deputies in Keokuk County to assist in the rescue of four horses. According to the ARL, "two of whom were in the such terrible condition they were literally skin and bones."

As the ARL was transporting the horses back to Des Moines, one of the horses collapsed and was taken to the equine veterinary hospital at Iowa State for emergency round-the-clock care. The ARL adds that they are currently unsure how long the mare needs to be hospitalized or if she will survive.

Another horse rescued from the site is currently in the ARL's Second Chance Ranch where she is receiving a refeeding program. This horse was emancipated, and blind from a condition that caused her eyes to be red and inflamed.

As a result of the neglect, all the horses are under-socialized meaning they will need behavioral rehabilitation as well.

The report of the neglect came from a neighbor, who according to a Facebook post, "first reported this to the authorities in 2019."

In her post, she adds that back in 2019, neighbors were providing the horses with hay and water but since then they were left to fend for themselves.

In the Facebook post, the neighbor says "I noted that at least two of the four horse's ribs are showing through their winter coat. They've had no hay all winter and the only water they have is from snow or from this tiny drainage area - when it's not frozen."