Horse rescuers overwhelmed with animals

EDGEWOOD, N.M. (KRQE) - After undercover video of alleged abuses at an animal auction went public, horse rescue organizations are suddenly swamped with animals.

The video was shocking. It showed starving and dying horses that couldn't even stand.

It was taken in March by an animal rights group. Since then, many surrendered and abused horses in New Mexico are finding they have nowhere to go.

The undercover video taken by Animals' Angels showed what the groups claimed were abusive conditions at the Southwest Livestock Auction in Los Lunas. The case is being investigated, but because of the controversy over the video, auction houses around the state are refusing horses.

That means horse rescues are filling up fast.

"I was told by a source that there are probably 800 horses right now in the state of New Mexico that need to be rescued or need to be taken to a sale barn," said Walkin' N Circles Executive Director Charles Graham.

His shelter and rehabilitation center in Edgewood has taken in 39 horses in the last 18 days. Usually they see two or three a month. He claims it's all because of the video.

"For someone to treat horses with that lack of concern and care it just breaks your heart," he said.

After the images surfaced, the State Livestock Board shows auction houses across the state slammed their doors rather than risk being accused of abuse. That leaves the state no choice.

Any confiscated animals, like the seven malnourished horses rescued Wednesday in Tularosa, now must go to shelters.

Graham explained the change is straining his resources, but he prefers that to any animal being abused.

Graham also said he met with other New Mexico Equine Rescue Alliance members in Aztec, Cerrillos and Silver City to give these horses safe shelter and to begin their rehabilitation. From now on every confiscated horse will come to his ranch, be evaluated and then sent to a state shelter.

They are looking to expand their stables, and because the ranch is publicly funded, they're also looking for monetary donations and volunteers looking to help out. Click here to help.

The Livestock Board explained spring is their busiest time of the year, and reminds owners to surrender animals to licensed rescues listed on their website.