Saturday, April 4, 2009

Neglected New York (Paragallo) Racehorses Rescued

 UPDATE: March 10, 2010

Mr. Paragallo has been convicted of animal abuse.  Read the New York Times story Paragallo Convicted of Animal Cruelty.

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I know we're all about dogs here at The Dog House, but being especially concerned about greyhounds and dog racing, Detroit Dog thinks it only fair to focus on the plight of animals often treated as no more than inanimate commodities when their money-making careers are over.

Please read the New York Times article Prominent Horseman Faces Questions About Neglect, which reports about 4 specific races horses (of about 20) that were found in a "kill" pen, with lice, injuries, and severely underweight:

"...the kill pen operator, who does not want to be identified, said the horses were in such bad condition that he had to feed them for several weeks just to get them in shape for the trip to the slaughterhouse."

The mares are currently being rehabbed by Another Chance 4 Horses, a Pennsylvania nonprofit rescue group.

To learn about horse rescue in Michigan, please visit the International League for The Protection of Horses - Michigan.

UPDATE 4/7/2009:

You might also be interested in this New York Times story: Surge in Abandoned Horses Renews Debate Over Slaughterhouses


UPDATE 4/8/2009:

Another NY Times story just in: New York Takes Over Paragallo's Horse Farm. Sadly, there are many, many more horses in poor condition; both New York State Police and the Humane Society have intervened.

2 comments:

  1. I really take this post to heart. My animals are all rescue animals but my husbands race horse Bob Bull, was in this very same place. We are happy to say he is doing just great! Getting ready for his first time back on the track in 2 yrs and will live out his life after the track in a loving families hands. You can read his story under "my husbands dream" on my blog...www.paprikasperch.blogspot.com. It is so sad how these animals have their lives brought to such a tragic end for no reason. Please make sure you check out all local shelters and adopt an animal :)

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  2. Pennsylvania vet named James Holt said blood and fecal tests showed that the mares had suffered extreme neglect — they had bacteria infections, were riddled with parasites like lice and worms and had skin diseases and open wounds.

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