Animal Control Removes 4 Horses, 5 Ponies, 3 Goats From Severn Property

SEVERN, Md. (WJZ) — Horses, ponies and goats--some nearly starving--found on a Severn property. They've now been seized by Animal Control and an investigation is underway.

Meghan McCorkell has more on the case.

Twelve animals were removed from that property. Rescuers say some of them look skeletal.

Near starving, bones jutting out in dirty conditions--four horses, five ponies and three goats--seized from a Severn home.

"We removed livestock from the property that were in poor condition. Some of them were emaciated," said Justin Mulcahy, Anne Arundel County Police.

Rescue workers say some of the animals are in serious condition.

"Basically, all her fat's been depleted. You can see her bone structure," said Erin Ochoa, Days End Farm Horse Rescue.

Neighbors say they've seen animals on this property for years.

"You used to see them right about this time. They used to feed them every night, big piles of hay in two different places," said John Powell, neighbor.

But they haven't seen those feedings recently.

Police say they first started investigating the property back in January, when they got an anonymous tip about a dead horse. Animal Control officers found the horse's body and two dead baby goats.

They ordered medical care, improved conditions for the other animals and visited the property several times.

"Initially, there was some progress in terms of the living conditions, also the conditions and care for the animals. However, over time it regressed, unfortunately," Mulcahy said.

This week, an independent veterinarian ordered the rest of the animals be removed and taken to a rescue.

"We reintroduce the nutrition that they need on a slow, steady basis," said Deete Gorries, Days End Farm Horse Rescue.

Police and the State's Attorneys Office are now investigating.

So far, no charges have been filed in the case and police are not identifying the property owners.

Officials with Days End Farm Horse Rescue, which is helping rehabilitate the animals, say it could cost $2,000 a month to help each horse.