Horses rescued from slurry, leads to shocking find in the barns

When World Horse Welfare Field Officer Seema Ritson arrived on site at the request of the RSPCA, she quickly realized that there was more than met the eye.
Working with the RSPCA, she went on to discover 40 horses hidden away behind boarded up stables and mounds of slurry.
The owner was prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act and given a lifetime ban on keeping any equine.
But the story doesn't end there. This discovery eventually led to the rescue of 5 more horses at another nearby location that Seema had been keeping an eye on for a while.
Watch on to learn more about the efforts that led to this incredible rescue.
Want to know how you can help with future rescue and rehabilitation efforts?
Since the filming of this video, we are pleased to announce that Maragret has found a new home where she will never again have to live in unsuitable conditions as described in the video. If you're interested in offering a home to one of our horses or ponies, please visit our rehoming pages to learn more: bit.ly/3XNCvNi
For as little as £3 a month, you can help us continue to make a difference in the lives of horses like Margaret, Ruth, and Terri-Anne by giving a gift today at: bit.ly/3Q3Z3Yn
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#worldhorsewelfare #horse #horserescue

[@lonistewart3405]

The owner should have been put in jail for life!

[@Queenofgreen515]

That costs the taxpayer a LOT of money. Prisons are overflowing because everyone caught with weed is being sent there.

[@mfs353]

for life?? damn you make sure you stay away from any position of power, you seem to suffer from severe lack emotional maturity.

[@kawaii58204]

@@mfs353And you seem to lack empathy for animals who feel and love more than we even do, did you even hear how many horses they found? and how trapped they were? that some of them weren’t able to move from being on so much dirt that there backs were on the ceiling ! everything that was done to these horses and how they lived for YEARS is absolutely fking VILE and you think the person who caused so much harm to these beautiful horses, should only be jailed for a few years? If that happens they will be out doing the same thing again, people like that never learn, because they are cold hearted, are you cold hearted as well?

[@AngelaMinetto]

What was their reason they did this...?? Why???

[@juliescott5066]

A lifetime ban on all equines is NOT ENOUGH OF A PUNISHMNET. HE NEEDS TO SUFFER LIKE HE CAUSED SUCH EXTREME SUFFERING TO THESE HORSES... Try a HUGE fine, his farm taken away to pay for that fine...and a hefty prison sentence. He basically got a slap on the hand...sick...

[@stuartharrison9944]

I TOTALLY agree with your comment. There is simply NO EXCUSE for this, these people have no right to get just a slap on the wrist!!

[@ChrisAndCats]

Any animals.

[@thebreen25]

I feel the same...should be severely repremanded. there is no excuse for this cruelty

[@myrafrohnapfel2168]

Totally agree 😢 so cruel

[@ruthgadders8437]

Disgusting

[@sallynolan5928]

A ten year ban! They should have got a 10 year prison sentence each.

[@lynnes5561]

Yes. He put those animals through a lot of pain and misery. That's not acceptable

[@angelaschmalzbauer]

Exactly 👍

[@mwatts-riley2688]

The Only reason that's accepted, to me, might be due to owner age, or change in situation, or knowledge of horses. Or Both. The daughter is the one to have given more info on why the owner acted this way. Sometimes It's a non avoidable reason, like owner death or owner illness, or poverty. Do not be so quick to judge. Find out all the facts first, there why we have courts. Ass! M

[@annjohnson8437]

The condition these horses were being kept in is unbelievably horrific! I'm so glad the owner received a lifetime ban! The owner deserves to be imprisoned like these poor horses. Thank you for rescuing them and for giving them the love and care they deserve! Your organization does such important work! Thank you! ❤

[@louisebb4183]

The owner should be jailed!

[@denabatt]

How are going to know if he puts animals on there again?

[@DawnSchram-tl9xv]

I'm speechless how could they do this¿

[@fmc974]

I'll NEVER understand why someone would have animals that they either can't or won't care for. If you're unable to give proper care, contact an animal welfare organization. If you're heartless and simply don't care about them, why do you even have them??? As a lifelong equestrian and lover of all animals, this just broke my heart seeing the deplorable conditions in which these horses were kept. I can't even begin to imagine how it could get THIS bad. I beat myself up if I run out of Hooflex.. Thank GOD WHW came to their rescue. Y'all are true heroes. 🐎💕

[@SlimPicken5]

I came to say the exact same thing!!! I don’t understand the mind set of someone who does this?? 40 horses and ALL of them in terrible condition completely neglected!!?? Just why??

[@smackaroo4159]

It hurts my heart to think about it, because they’re really is not answer. They aren’t adopting a beloved pet or family member, they’re purchasing property, utterly objectified. They don’t see it as abuse because you can’t really abuse an object. It’s more prevalent than you might think, for example people adopting chicks, ducklings, and rabbits on Easter and then don’t know what to do with them when they’ve gotten bored of their new toys. That being said, there’s plenty of instances one might call abuse that we might should hesitate on. Like some less than ideal conditions I think we can mostly excuse if an animal’s quality of life is good and they’re happy, but you can usually tell because the owner generally intends well for their pet and uses what knowledge and resources they have access to.

[@wolf-kissedrosie69]

Answer? They were his. That’s all he cared about and probably thought he could make money off them. He probably got them initially for a profit and over time simply didn’t care enough to do anything about them, not even to make them presentable for sell. Then stopped caring about feeding them or making sure they had a decent home.

[@kathlynterry8196]

What a hell on earth. That was a very light slap on the wrist for the owners.

[@angelaschmalzbauer]

I agree 👍 💯

[@stellangios]

Thank you all for being so persistent to find and secure all these ponies safely ❤❤ I can imagine how completely awful it is to see such conditions.

[@NeilGastonguay]

Excellent work by World Horse Welfare. The neglect and abuse of these animals is shocking.

[@loriwoloshyn7266]

I hope this owner was prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Horses are gentle, loving creatures that deserve better.

[@lisalavence7039]

I beg you Lord to intervene with all animal abuse and neglect. I can't stop crying ... Bless you beautiful lady and your team xx

[@cherylmillard2067]

Why should your god wait so long?

[@Cubpupsmom]

Abusers of all God’s creation are storing up wrath for themselves in their day of judgement. These monsters will reap what they sow.

[@cherylmillard2067]

God is a superstition.@@Cubpupsmom

[@taralepine4977]

Agreed.

[@AnasthassiaMurillo]

​@@cherylmillard2067 stop being ridiculous and get yourself a life.

[@LM-ny1xd]

Thank you for rescuing these poor animals The abuse is horrific They should be behind bars for this cruelty

[@claudiadickerman4218]

Whoa, what was this owner THINKING? Is this similar to dog breeding mills? The sheer number of horses in this horrific situation is stunning! Why keep this many? Was this person mentally ill ? Thank God World Horse Welfare became involved!

[@BostonHollyAndSnoop]

Thinking? Nothing beyond himself.

[@SoramimiKeiki]

Might be an animal hoarder.

[@reikishaman]

Absolutely mentally ill. Hoarding for sure. The entire situation is a disaster.

[@lunalupus63]

Bless you, World Horse Welfare, for rescuing these horses. I will never, ever understand why people keep horses, or any animal, then neglect them so very badly; it makes my blood boil!! That some of them were literally imprisoned in their stables, a lifetime ban isn't enough, in my opinion, these people should be imprisoned as well. As much as I would love to offer a horse a home, current circumstances don't make that possible. But now I've finally got a job, I can donate, yay!! ❤🐴❤

[@worldhorsewelfare]

Thank you for your support!

[@margaretporkolab7166]

I seen many neglect and hoarding. This is the worst. God Bless you and the other organizations.

[@leslie2149]

These so called owners should be locked away in a dark stall, fed junk food now and then and left to live in their own excrement for years and years. It's only fair. Thank-you for rescuing these beautiful horses. I hope all of them can be re-taught, they are all so beautiful and deserve so much better out of life.

[@heikefoth4624]

100% agree with you on everything in your comment. You sound like you have a good soul. May God always be with you and thank you.

[@Queenofgreen515]

And we’d be as bad as him. You can’t have the moral high ground if you’re going to do precisely what he did to the horses, which is why the law doesn’t work that way.

[@meowinde]

@@Queenofgreen515 pretty sure we would never see a case like this again if that was the punishment.

[@janw491]

Horrendous cruelty of such gorgeous animals.

[@unajaneeskew2168]

Oh my sweet God. I can’t say how happy I am that you all rescued these animals. Thank you!

[@EGSimon-ds1vf]

Thank God for your organization. I'm so happy the horses are all safe.

[@allysmith2284]

Humans can seriously be the worst!! 😢 thank you WHW for rescuing these precious babies!

[@johanna1268]

One of the very very few rescues, where the owner was determined not to have horses anymore. But after 10 years his woman can do! These kind of humans should never have ANY animal! I wish all rescued horses the best life ever. They deserve it!

[@conniemorgan8402]

Lifetime ban on having any living animals..

[@eury5405]

This is absolutely HORRIBLE! THANK GOD that woman knew to go back a second time. I am without words. Much love for all of your work from here in Tucson, AZ U.S.A.

[@caitie__potatie]

Thank you for saving them. Horrific

[@jillp3761]

Is/was this a case of 'hoarding? It was strange in the extreme to see that they were not actually starving, but the conditions were appalling the hoof neglect criminal. To just be banned for life to own any equine is just insane. There should have been more of a penalty than that. DISGRACEFUL

[@m6666]

Unbelievable! The cruelty of these poor, beautiful majestic horses is abhorrent in this day and age! I'm so glad they are safe now, and I'm sure it won't take long to find these beautiful beings wonderful, loving homes. Thank you for all that you do to help these precious animals who don't have a voice. I'm upset that the owners only got a slap on the wrist. Jail time would have been much better and selling their farm to pay for rehabilitating the horses they so cruelly allowed to suffer.

[@suemaher5282]

Thank god for World Horse Welfare.

[@affordablewebsiterescue]

They are all absolutely stunning and even Gypsy Vanners in there! Thank you so much!

[@luciaconn6788]

yes and calm after handling,

[@user-ol1js8je1f]

Makes you wonder where they came from, all I'm saying is in certain cultures they treat animals in a certain way and its the norm. I see it where I live all the time and they generally get away with it or a slap on the wrist. And that's a made up breed they make money out of

[@LeilaniG808]

I’m in tears. I had horses for years and I am stunned!!!

[@martagilvazartlife]

Thank god you're help came along, the suffering of these animals is unimaginable

[@jahnets11]

Hope the owner went to prison...poor things...

[@darlenemckay265]

They didn't, they were just banned from keeping horses!

[@SIim5hady]

No prison, just a ban on owning horses. Which is really stupid he could just go to breeding dogs and mistreat thousands! What a rip off on his so called PUNISHMENT… I don’t even think he knows the horses are gone. All they did was a favor by rescuing. I hope he’s a tall man I suggest a short small box, with no window! Frontal lobotomy? I wonder who applied this sentence to the man, maybe they should be investigated as well!

[@Wildlifesupernannyfan]

The five needs: A suitable diet A suitable environment Housing with or from other animals The right and freedom to exhibit natural behaviour All protection from pain, suffering, illness or injury. And the 5 freedoms Freedom from hunger and thirst Freedom from discomfort Freedom from fear and distress Freedom from pain, illness and suffering And the freedom to show normal natural behavior. Thanks for helping suffering horses meet these needs and freedoms thanks to support, rescue and treatment. It was heartbreaking to see them suffering but now hopefully they live happy lives forever. ❤🐴

[@piaogilvie8463]

Long may these animals live in loving, caring and suitable conditions❤️

[@patriciakunz1198]

OMG - Bless these beautiful horses and the World Horse Welfare and all who work with them. 🙏

[@elenacaddell3639]

Poor babies😢nasty people

[@ellenmuseum]

I hope they are safe and painfree

[@heidifentiman3678]

This makes my blod boil🤬🤬🤬

[@1golfer1scooter]

You are an Angel. I could never do your job because I would go after the owner. Just no reason for this, none.

[@ruthahern8299]

Excellent work by World Horse Welfare, thank goodness you rescued these lovely beings 🙏

[@reezefab]

Immediate response saved these horses. The owner should be tried in the court of law for every single one of these horses. 😡 disgusting behavior. A lifetime ban not to have horses isn’t enough. Prison time is a more appropriate punishment.

[@angelaschmalzbauer]

You are absolutely right ✅️

[@heathergustafson4237]

Thank God people like yourselves have rescued these poor horses. Why don’t people ask for help? No let’s just leave them so they slowly die. How horrible. I know you can find and severely punish the owner

[@janlundquist6425]

My passion for horses runs deep. The total neglect of these horses is horrendous. I’m so glad you came to their rescue. How dramatic for you to experience this, but you were able to forge ahead and save the horses. God bless you and your hard work. You have the same love for horses that I do!! ❤❤❤

[@elizabethkligerman9078]

I just love the pun you made! Do you get it? (Forge ahead and mend their feet). I wish you all the best and to win the Pools so you, too, can open a caring home for these wonderful creatures .

[@randybutler4772]

Tragic situation for these poor horses. Thank you for sharing.🐴

[@spenfor1598]

Wow people are so horrible to animals!!! 😭 So grateful you got these presious angels out of that horrendous situation!!! 💔 They deserved better!!! 🐎💕

[@ocean12]

The owners that neglected those poor horses need much harsher punishments than just being banned from keeping horses again. When life circumstances make you unable to care for your animals, you get help. This was willful abuse and neglect! No excuses. No soft punishment.

[@P2Zip]

Thank you for your keen observation on the additional horses. Now they can be happy healthy horses with a place to do their natural thing of being a horse and well taken care of.

[@Makado14]

Lady, you are fantastic. Keep on keeping on.

[@margaretdrew2844]

Unsuitable is one word for it . Thank god someone got in touch . I don’t know how people can live with themselves . .these poor horses

[@carmelduggan6547]

At least they are now in safe hands and hopefully they will make full recovery 🐴🐎🐴

[@eileennavarrete9459]

Very smart keeping them in the groups you found them. Good Job

[@beckyd712]

*Bless you Officer Seema Ritson for going above and beyond to do the right thing for the animals!*

[@Lownslo-t9z]

God bless those who love equine with passion

[@traceywright3999]

These horses have been through a lot, the owners should of got jail, thank you so much for saving these beautiful souls, there life now begins, ❤️

[@Wisepati]

I hope there is an update on the horses that were first rescued. Many years ago I helped care for horses, rescued in a similar condition here in the USA. We had to care for them in that horrible condition, and not do hardly anything for them until the court case was settled, and that is such an archaic rule. As soon as the court case was settled and horses became the property of the rescue then quite a few of them were euthanize because they were in such pain. It was awful to care for them, knowing they were in pain .They could not even get the proper vet care until relinquished because horses are viewed as property. There is still a lot of of youse going on in the USA especially amongst the Amish.

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

Owners get overwhelmed or just ignore problems

[@heikefoth4624]

I think some of these so called judges don't give a sh*t about the animals. For me the laws are good for nothing, there is no justice for the animals. Most people I don't like and the ones I do care about I love. Mainly I love animals more.

[@samr4607]

Fantastic job!

[@em945]

Thank you to this Lady and various Inspectors and agencies. I have no idea how hard this is to deal with.

[@gardengnome132]

God bless you wonderful people! I'm amazed these horses all survived, thank goodness they went to WHW. It's good the "owner" got a lifetime ban, should be for all animals though. Ditto the partner.

[@sabine701]

I am speechless about the cruelty of humans against animals. Thanks for doing such an important job. ❤❤❤

[@carrieeasley3995]

I love those mustaches!

[@c.t.murray3632]

You all did a wonderful job saving these beautiful horses, all forty of them. When you have time give each one of them a hug and kiss for me. They are beautiful thank you

[@rebeccahmiller5742]

I can't believe someone actually had those beautiful horses and ponies kept like that. I love horses, and I'm so glad they're okay now, and I know your group will find them all good homes where they can the love and care they deserve. Please keep doing what you do.❤

[@julianwatson2301]

So well done to all involved. Thank you!

[@andrearode5625]

It’s a good thing that you took note of your surroundings and spotted those poor horses. I’m shocked that people can be so cruel. Thank you for being wonderful humans ❤

[@liart6219]

Best wishes for all the horses, and I hope every person involved in this rescue got the help to cope with the stress and pain they had to go through. My best wishes to the daughter too.

[@susanlee2835]

2023 .. why is this horrific treatment of not only horses but other animals going on ...

[@marilynranson1710]

I am shocked no prison time came with this!

[@archangel807]

Thank you for all you do!

[@SithCelia]

Bless the people who are helping out horses and all other animals in need! I'll never understand how someone could treat horses this way. They are such beautiful and sensitive creatures that should only be given the very best loving care.

[@lltimbs]

I love all these beautiful horses & ponies. They are God's precious gift to us so they should be appreciated. Blessings to these wonderful people who rescued them and I pray they find loving homes that they do deserve!

[@lenadeknegt9956]

The work you all did is so great, the man himself must put in such a muddy place, no food or water, how can you be so cruel, i donnot understand. Thanks to these nice people who did a great job 👍👍👍👍.

[@ritaobrien2779]

Thank you for saving these majestic horses.

[@heatherjohn2047]

Oh my goodness I hope those little Guys are okay

[@JaneDoe-ql7sc]

God bless you for rescuing the horses!

[@lisajahn6839]

People doing such horrific things should be in jail for life or an institution for life.

[@angelaschmalzbauer]

Exactly 👍

[@Spike-ck5tj]

That is horrific. Torture plain and simple. I'm am so pleased they are safe. Horses of all shapes and sizes are magnificent animals. Those recovering look majestic once again. Thank you so much.

[@kireesah1]

😢 heartbreaking. Such beautiful horses. Im so happy to see them safe and receiving care.

[@fionasaunders7646]

Grateful thanks to World Health Welfare, the other rescue organizations and vets, but I agree with other subscribers the sentences are far too lenient and a psychological assessment should be ordered on the owners, this negligence is not normal behavior.

[@It_isGreatwith_mysoul]

I love horses ! Thank you for coming to the ponies rescue and aid !!! Thanks for sharing the good story with us.

[@randybutler4772]

So difficult to believe the owner could allow this horrible condition. Thank you for sharing.🐴🐴

[@elainekalinofski7207]

Great ending to a bad situation for these horses. Thankyou for working so hard to rescue these precious animals. ❤ God bless all of you who helped this rescue, including the vet

[@donnarogers7732]

I have watched WHW channel for years. This IS ABSOLUTELY THE WORST OF THE VIDEOS,I'm have EVER VIEWED. How can Human beings be so horribly inhumane? Shocking! I cryed forca long time. I hope the survivors are able to find loving homes with loving people to care for them. God Bless WHW. ♥️🙏😪🐴🐴🐴🐴🐴 Please tell me what happened to the severely neglected horses in the nailed barns? I'm sure some could not be saved. I'm still upset about these poor horses. I'm surprised they were not All found dead in the conditions you described.😪💜🐴

[@LuciThomasHardylover-qx6ts]

Yes, I'd love to know too. I just had a big, nagging suspicion that they weren't mentioned on purpose. Having heard the brief description of the horrible mess they were in, I felt that maybe some had had to be put to sleep. It's probably not written about because some nut will be there bashing away at the keyboard throwing nasty names and accusations without any knowledge or compassion for the animals. I can't believe that the pair of them didn't receive a custodial sentence. Those ponies balanced on what 4?5? Foot of solid excrement and unable to even lift their heads???? That's torture!!!

[@PLS.54]

❤🙏😱💕 thank you for saving these beautiful souls!

[@ReptilesGeniales]

Thanks for saving them!!

[@colleenw8756]

Makes me ashamed to be a human as the owners are supposed to be. Hope Karma visits them harshly.

[@teamh152]

Wow thanks for helping them xxxx

[@kingagrabinski8849]

That is such a relief that you have been able to find this place. It is so important to support rescue efforts so no horse is left behind.

[@shirleylangton7967]

So pleased that your organization was there to help these fragile, mistreated horses! There future is brighter because of you!💋💋

[@florwhiteman4971]

Thank you for saving these beautiful creatures ❤

[@tessakearley-hall222]

Im almost lost for words tears down my face thank you people for what you do ❤😢

[@melissademarco5271]

This was heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time thanks to your organization! Well done and bless you all for your tireless and much needed work!!🐎

[@Fadedecho1]

Heartbreaking to see. I could never keep my horses in such conditions. The joys they provide. Very sad. My gosh. Traumatized for sure. Justice is really never served for such behaviors. Beautiful animals ❤

[@jenniferdavis5813]

Thank God you were persistent about checking the barns. Thanks for what you do.

[@kuuipojones631]

Thank you so much for rescuing them

[@maxthebestboy71]

I'm glad they're recovering. There are no words for that! Absolutely horrific.

[@anastashagodal6493]

You guys are angels for saving them all life matters!

[@tanyatiedje2120]

God bless all you amazing people for rescuing these majestic albeit hapless horses. Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@mywickedqueen3547]

A massive thank you to everyone involved in the welfare of these horses and who dedicated themselves to all animals around the world. ✌🏼❤️

[@fuzzylop9164]

To see the conditions these horses were found in makes my heart brake💔 I thank God you were able to rescue them and help them back to health. I am actually surprised you did not find any expired horses.

[@charlotter8276]

Thank you for saving them! ❤

[@dianeturner8907]

THANK YOU ALL FOR SAVING THESE POOR HORSES ❤

[@s3wErR4t]

Thismade me cry. No animal deserves this. The poor babies. Im glad you helped them! Their all so beautiful and like i said dont deserve it. I know if i ever get a horse, it will be BRILLIANTLY looked after ❤

[@gabrielavandertouw8682]

Thank you for helping these beautiful Horses ! Good Luck to them all. And to World Horse welfare and the Lady. Greetings from Switzerland.

[@kathydavenport4422]

I’m glad y’all found them thank you for caring and loving always the loving care and tenderness and all the long time of healing them blessings be

[@willowhilldesigns7]

Thank you for your efforts to rescue these poor horses! How atrocious!!