The more than two-dozen horses confiscated from a Nicholson man last month due to their emaciated condition have new homes and are recovering.
Animal Advocates of Pearl River County President Lauren Fitts said all but four of the horses have been adopted by new owners, the other four are being fostered.
Chris and Tabitha Raimey adopted the horse that was in the worst condition, Izzy. Fitts said Izzy was not expected to survive, but has since been adopted by the couple and renamed Skeletor, a play on words from the character of a popular cartoon in the 80s. Now, he roams freely in a large field eating all the grass, feed and treats he can handle, putting on more weight each day.
In the short time they’ve cared for Skeletor, the couple cured the animal’s rain rot and Chris has formed a strong bond with his new pet. Chris is the only person that can walk up to the horse and put a lead on his harness before allowing him to pet and stroke his coat.
Chris aims to be able to ride the horse. But the long process will involve stroking the animal’s legs to get him used to being handled in preparation for horseshoes. The couple will also work to slowly get Skeletor used to having a saddle on his back.
At his new home, Skeletor has plenty of company, including four other horses and several other farm animals.
Fitts said that the outpouring of volunteers, fosters and donations shortly after the horses were confiscated was phenomenal. Those who couldn’t care for a horse held fundraisers, brought extra food, or just donated money, Fitts said. The Poplarville 4H club held a fundraiser that brought in $500 and a truck load of feed and treats.
“There were only a handful of times we had to purchase hay,” Fitts said.
Enough cash was donated to pay for the medical treatments for all of the animals.
Pearl River County Animal Control Officer Danny Joe Slade said he appreciates Fitts and the group’s vice president, Ally Amarena, for their efforts in finding good homes for the horses.
“Lauren and Ally did a wonderful job helping me,” Slade said.
The only casualty was a stillborn foal shortly after the mother horse was confiscated, Slade said. However, a separate horse gave birth to a healthy foal that is doing well.
Animal Advocates will be at the Pearl River County SPCA’s shot clinic Saturday, selling plates of jambalaya for $6 a plate to raise funds for the local shelter.