SPCA Rescues Two Dozen Horses From Calverton Farm
Animal group seeking donations and care for malnourished animals.
Two dozen horses were rescued last week from a Calverton farm after being neglected - some, to the point of near death - by their owners.
Chief Roy Gross, of the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said that Riverhead Police initially received a report last Wednesday that farm animals were in neglect. By 1:00 Wednesday afternoon the SCPA was on the grounds of the property.
Riverhead Police Chief David Hegermiller confirmed on Tuesday morning that the animals were found at Abbess Farm, on the south side of Route 25. He said previous incidents at the farm have resulted in the horses escaping and running onto the Long Island Expressway.
Gross said that in his 27 years with the SPCA, he has "never seen a volume of horses at one time" like he did at the Calverton farm. In addition, he said sheep, goats, and a pig were also found on the premises.
He added that the farm's owner has recently entered into foreclosure and the SPCA received permission to enter the property from the farm's new receivers.
At a press conference on Monday afternoon were three horses that have since been cared for by Darlene Wilcox, owner of Hillcrest Stables on Middle Road. One of the horses, estimated to be about 20 years old, suffered from "severe starvation" and was locked in a room by itself, according to veterinarian Dennis Farrell. Wilcox said it was "amazing that he didn't die in the stall."
Authorities had to use bolt cutters to break into the stable and get to the horse.
"In severe economic times such as these, people still don't want to let these animals go," Farrell said. "But sometimes they still can't take care of them."
Gross said he was unsure if charges would be filed against the owner of the horses. However, he added that prosecuting is not first on his priority list.
"What's critical right now is that we get these animals taken care of," he said.
In addition to adopting the horses, Gross said the Suffolk County SPCA (independent from the ASPCA) is accepting donations, such as water buckets, hay, and grain.
The phone number for the Suffolk County SPCA is 631-382-7722, and is located at 363 Route 111, Suite 5.
Diane P
6:29 pm on Monday, May 2, 2011
Bless the SPCA and its courageous officers. These animals deserve so much better, it is just heartbreaking. Please donate to the SPCA -- I have in the past, and certainly will now.
Patrice Dalton
8:51 pm on Monday, May 2, 2011
These horses need our help. So sad for everyone.
Nicole
10:47 pm on Monday, May 2, 2011
Oh no! These can't be the same horses we saw on that farm near Splish Splash. They looked hot and hungry last summer. They can't have been neglected that long?!
Patty Payne
2:27 pm on Tuesday, May 3, 2011
I'm interested in donating my Animal Reiki services to anyone who has taken any of these animals in.
Patricia Payne 631-766-3586
Denise Werkheiser
6:03 pm on Tuesday, May 3, 2011
This is HORRIBLE I would feed my horse before I would feed myself this just brings tears to my eyes it should never happen .....If you cant afford them then give them to somebody who can dont let them suffer ..SO SAD!!!!!!!!!
Toqui Terchun
9:23 am on Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Glad Hillcrest Stable, Darlene Wilcox, was able to step up and accept a few of the horses to be cared for !
Eileen DiCosola
6:10 pm on Wednesday, May 4, 2011
CHARGES SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN F ILED AGAINST THE OWNER OF THE HORSES AND OTHER ANIMALS OR BETTER STILL LOCK THEM IN A ROOM WITH NO FOOD AND WATER UNTIL THEY SUFFER FROM "SEVERE STARVATION" FILE CHARGES NOW!!!
Maryanne
9:39 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Sorry Lynn if you think I was supporting the abuser.I deleted that because I decided to listen to my mothers advise.If you dont know what your talking about then keep your mouth closed.After seeing and reading all the proof,I must say mom was right.!
caruso
12:12 am on Tuesday, May 10, 2011
I have seen those horses several years ago and never seen any abuse and neglect, I dont question that at this time now there has been neglect as the pictures clearly show. Its a horrible thing when animals that are entirely dependant upon us for their care are not cared for properly. The woman that was responsible for their care is actually a very good hearted person who I have known now for a few years, I have watched her struggle to maintain a household for her 3 children, struggle to maintain a farm against all odds, take in and care for every animal that everyone else would drop at her door step and give countless amounts of aid to others in need, all of this while she had very little money of her own and did without many basic comforts so that she could continue to help those less fortunate. Ive watched this woman endure many hardships but she always wanted to do the right thing and help, often times with more then she had to give. There is no question that these animals show neglect and that is a very sad thing, and I hope that it encourages people to donate to the various animal protection agencies as I certainly will. But before condeming this woman as an evil person who intentionally and willfully subjected these animals to neglect or cruelty I believe that she wanted and tried to care for these animals the right way, I think that giving more then what you have to give finally caught up to her.