Horse neglect - 28 horses
Vale, NC (US)Incident Date: Saturday, Aug 13, 2005
County: Lincoln
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 2 files available
Alleged:
» Anne Marie MacCallum
» Shane Schlageter
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
Authorities in Lincoln County have seized more than two dozen abused and neglected horses from a home in the town of Vale. Rescuers have called it the worst case of cruelty to horses in North Carolina.
The United States Equine Rescue League joined the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department to take the 28 injured horses from the property on Aug 13 after months of warnings to the owner.
"Their ribs are sticking out, their hip bones are sticking out and they're dehydrated. You can pinch their skin and the skin will stay there," said rescuer Mary Dinnie. "Their hooves are chipped and flared; there hasn't been any attention in a long time. You know once you get in there and really start looking at the horses that they really have been neglected."
Many of the horses seized are underweight and injured; some are even pregnant. Volunteers from the rescue league said the horses have a long road to recovery, but they believe most of the horses will survive.
"I think we have two that are in tough shape," said rescuer Julie Walls. "I think we caught the rest in time, but we do have two that I am concerned about."
Worried neighbors alerted police. They told officers the horses were in serious trouble.
Lincoln County Animal Control said the owner is Anne Marie Schlageter of Vale.
"She can't afford them, but she still thinks they need her," said Dinnie.
Rescue league volunteers are now caring for the sick horses. They will be treated by vets, and depending on the outcome of the police investigation, they could eventually be available for adoption.
"If we don't do it, horses are going to die – and that is the bottom line," Walls said.
Lincoln County officials said they expect the owner of the horses to be charged on Monday with several counts of animal cruelty.
The owner of the horses said the reason the horses are so skinny is because she has so many animals they must compete for food. She said her horses have been receiving regular care from a vet and that authorities are blowing the situation way out of proportion.
Case UpdatesThe horses' owners, Ann MacCallum and Shane Schlageter, face 53 counts of animal cruelty. They are currently free on bond. Their first court appearance is expected to be in September.
Nine of the 28 horses taken are at a quarantine area in Apex where they are getting nursed back to health. After they have recovered, they will be transferred to foster homes for rehabilitation. | Source: WRAL - Aug 16, 2005
Update posted on Aug 16, 2005 - 5:43PM |
References« NC State Animal Cruelty Map
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