OCHLOCKNEE, GA (WALB) - A Thomas County woman is charged with a misdemeanor count of cruelty to animals following the seizure of horses, donkeys, and other animals from her property Monday afternoon.
Rebecca Bannister was released on bond. These horses now live at Dancing Cloud Farm Horse Rescue in Ochlocknee.
Police say they are among the 40 horses, donkeys, llamas, and cows seized from 55-year old Rebecca Bannister's residence yesterday.
"We got a call from the Thomas County Sheriff's Office, an animal control officer, asking for our assistance, along with Georgia Equine Rescue League in trying to carry out this rescue of, it originally started out as about 100," said Vice President of the Rescue, Anne Campbell.
Animal Control officials say they have been investigating the situation for several months. "In October of last year we started receiving complaints from citizens riding by in that area who had been on the property about the animals being underweight," said Animal Control Director Pat Smith.
Officials say the animals were neglected and underfed. "Some of them are old, but that's no excuse because when you have an older horse you feed them what's appropriate for older horses," said Campbell.
Rescuers say the most important thing they need right now is donations. "We desperately need help financially. We're trying to get in quality hay. As everybody knows hay is in short supply right now," said Campbell.
Bannister is currently charged with one misdemeanor count of cruelty to animals. Police say the investigation is ongoing.
To donate visit www.dcfhr.com.
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These horses now live at Dancing Cloud Farm Horse Rescue in Ochlocknee.
Bannister is charged with a misdemeanor count of cruelty to animals
Vice President of the Rescue, Anne Campbell
Animal Control Director Pat Smith
These burrows seem to be in better shape than some other animals.
