ST. PAUL, Minn. - Seven horses whose medical condition put their lives in grave danger have been moved from an East Bethel ranch to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center.
The animals were removed from the NV Arabian Horse Ranch by Animal Humane Society humane agents Wednesday.
Investigators had received additional complaints regarding the health and well-being of the horses after the team had previously removed 10 horses in September. Those horses were taken when an investigation of the property determined the animals weren't receiving proper care.
U of M equine veterinary specialists are now evaluating the horses moved Wednesday to determine whether neglect caused their current emaciated state. The evaluations are being used to assist Animal Humane Society humane agents as they investigate and consider charges against the owner of the horse ranch.
On Wednesday humane agents, deputies and a licensed veterinarian entered the property with a search and seizure warrant to remove the horses in question. Each had a body condition score between one and three, one being the lowest body condition score that can be given.
Animal Humane Society humane agents were legally able to take seven horses Wednesday, but they will continue to monitor the ranch as an additional 30 horses still remain on the property.
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