Members of the Animal Advocates of Pearl River County are collecting donations for a large number of horses rescued by Pearl River County Animal Control earlier this week.
Eighteen horses are currently being kept at the Pearl River County Fairground in Poplarville. All are suffering from malnutrition and other health problems, previous coverage states.
AAPRC is collecting bedding, shavings, leads and halters of all sizes, along with feed and monetary donations to compensate for the cost of caring for so many animals, AAPRC President Lauren Fitts said.
Anyone can bring donations directly to the fairground, located on Highway 26 near the county’s emergency management office.
“Everything we’re collecting is going toward those horses,” Fitts said.
Monetary donations can be made to the AAPRC at First National Bank in Picayune on Highway 43 South. The organization also has an online fundraising campaign at https://www.youcaring.com/nicholsontennesseewalkers-776354.
Crossroads Feed & Seed is accepting donations to buy food for the animals, Pearl River County Animal Control Officer Danny Joe Slade said.
Donations are also accepted over the phone, Slade said.
Some donations are already coming in. A private donor from Vancleave brought 50 bales of hay, Fitts said.
Donations will also be used to pay for medical supplies and treatment, while Dr. Jacqueline Broom from Coast Veterinary Hospital has already donated her services, Slade said.
The horses will eventually need fostering. Slade said that process would take some time. The case is expected to go to court next week, he said.
Sixteen horses remain on the property in Nicholson where the horses were seized.
“There will be charges, the case is being closely and thoroughly investigated,” Slade said.
He said he is working closely with the Pearl River County Board of Supervisors as well as the Sheriff’s Department and agencies from Hancock and Harrison counties.
“The Board of Supervisors has bent over backward to assist with this,” Slade said.
For more information, contact the AAPRC at animaladvocatesprc@gmail.com or by calling 601-909-5299 and leaving a message.