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Four malnourished horses seized in animal cruelty raid

An anonymous tip led animal cruelty investigators to raid a Woodville Township farm over the weekend resulting in the seizure of four horses, one of which died.

WOODVILLE, OH (Toledo News Now) - An anonymous tip led animal cruelty investigators to raid a Woodville Township farm over the weekend resulting in the seizure of four horses, one of which died.

A woman at the farm admitted she had two skinny horses in her barn, according to investigator Shannon May.  What they found, however, was much more serious.

"I've only seen this on TV, I've never seen this," said May.

Investigators found four emaciated horses, one to the point where it had to be put down. Investigators say the horses likely went without food or water for several days, and months of neglect.

"(One horse) is pretty sunk in, right in through her chest and you can actually feel her sternum," said investigator Kelly Askins.  "That's not really normal."

One of the horses, Silky, is at least 200 pounds underweight.

"You want to be able to feel the ribs but not actually see them," said Askins.

The investigators say animal cruelty charges could be filed against the woman this week.

Two other horses were in better shape and are now at a foster farm.

Silky has made a noticeable recovery since discovered on Saturday.  A heart murmur likely caused by severe dehydration is now gone.

"She's such a fighter and she's just so genuinely sweet, it's hard not to fall in love with her," said Askins.

Medical bills for Silky are already up to $1,000, and you can make a monetary donation to the humane society of Sandusky, or bring hay or grain to the farm at which she's being cared for.  Call Askins at 419-603-3313 to arrange a drop off.

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