Starving Animals Near Barnesville

Georgia
January 31, 2007 : 12:00 AM
One of the worst situations that the Department of Agriculture has ever dealt with---that is what Tommy Irvin, the Georgia Dept of Agriculture, stated about the situation found in Concord near Barnesville last week. More than 200 starving goats, horses, dogs, and cows were found on the Concord farm. There was no explanation of why the owner allowed the animals to get in this condition. At least half of the 100 horses found scored a 2 on the equine body scoring system. These animals were literally starving to death. Not only were these animals found, but the remains of other animals and animal graves were found. Dogs were killing goats for food. The farm was in an unimaginable state. The Department of Agriculture received complaints on the condition of the animals last week and this prompted the discovery. When officials arrived at the farm, they were made to wait at the gate for several hours before allowed in to see the damage. Inspectors and veterinarians have been at the farm and volunteers brought in food on Monday.Kristen Reid, the owner of a local horse farm, has been rounding up supplies for the animals. Reid’s concern at this time is the dropping temperature and inclement weather expected in Georgia tonight. These animals have no shelter and are in such bad shape, she worries for their survival. She is currently looking for places to board the horses until more permanent help can be found.Update---Starving Horses Remain OutsideThe horses on Concord Farm near Barnesville will remain outside tonight despite the frigid temperature and icy weather rolling in. Tommy Irvin of the Georgia Dept of Agriculture said that the state did not have the money or resources to move and provide for the horses. Instead, they are requiring Roger Pratt and his wife to Bobbie Allison, the owners to provide feed, supplements, and medical care. This still does not negate the fact that there is no shelter on the farm and these horses need some type of shelter from the cold. So far no charges have been brought on the owners. The Pike County Sheriff’s Dept. is investigating the case and states that if the evidence warrants charges that they will be filed on the farm’s owners.Both, the Dept of Agriculture and the Sheriff’s Dept. have been slammed with people wanting to help. Anyone wanting to help can make a donation to the Dept of Agriculture horse rescue fund by calling 404-656-3671. Donations of high quality feed will also be accepted.