(January 11, 2007)--Since five horses were surrendered in November of last year (read related story), Sampson County Animal Control and a USERL Investigator have been working together monitoring the remaining two horses in the care of the owner. On January 8, 2007, Sampson County Animal Control officers and a USERL Investigator again checked the horses and found that there was no change in their care and living conditions and the health of the two horses was deteriorating.

Sampson County Animal Control seized the remaining two horses on January 9, 2007. Due to the poor living conditions, the mare is lame and suffering from ulcerations on her hooves, the same condition as the stallion surrendered in November. The colt has extremely overgrown hooves and could also be suffering from the same malady, as he is lame as well. Both had lost weight. The owner has been arrested and charged with 9 counts of animal cruelty. USERL will keep you updated on this case and the progress of these horses.