Pender animals rescued, three people charged with animal cruelty

Three people in Pender County face ten counts of animal cruelty after ten horses, along with eight dogs, were rescued from a Hampstead barn Thursday.

It appears they’ve been neglected for a significant period of time, without food, water, or proper care.

“They are in very, very poor body condition, very very poor body condition, like, almost the worst,” said Topsail Humane Society President Cathy Williams.

Their skinny bodies with their ribs clearly showing are sure signs of neglect. The Pender County Sheriff’s Office received several complaints about the horses’ conditions, prompting deputies to take action.

“It’s very disturbing. It bothers me to see any animal placed in this kind of condition,” said Sgt. Michael Lewis.

The three own owners have each been charged with ten counts of animal cruelty, one for each horse.

Sgt Lewis and Cathy Williams said the economy may be to blame.

“They have to decide whether to feed their kids or their animals and unfortunately it’s the animals that are not getting fed,” said Cathy Williams.

These horses have a long road ahead. While they’re safe at a Hampstead stable now, they’ll be quarantined for weeks, fed special food, and given lots of care.

The Topsail Humane Society hopes to eventually place them in foster care to live happy, healthy lives.

When we reached one of the owners being charged with animal cruelty, he had no comment.