Close to 100 horses that were removed from a northern Alberta farm just a week ago now have a safe place to call home, thanks to a stable near Edmonton.
The people at Keno Hills Stable have banded together to nurse 94 horses back to health.
"I thought it would be better if we could keep them in an area where the vets and farriers could come to us...and we could get the appropriate help from the different agencies to work with them," said Keno Hills Stable owner Susan Fyfe.
The volunteers are part of an animal protection group called Rescue 100. The horses were to be auctioned off, but the group has taken it upon themselves to rehabilitate the horses.
The animals were seized from a farm near Andrew, Alta. last weekend after 27 horses starved to death there.
Volunteers said many of the animals' hooves haven't been trimmed in a long time, making it difficult for them to walk.
About 90 per cent of the horses have lice and will have to be deloused, said Fyfe.
For volunteers, donations and a couple helping hands would make their jobs a lot easier. "It is very expensive and...it's not an easy fix," said Fyfe.
While there is much work to do in the fields, there is just as much piling up in the office.
"It's going to take a lot of help, a lot of support, a lot of volunteers and a lot of people who care to make a difference," said office volunteer Glenda Sheard.
Keno Hills has had a growing number of visitors dropping off valuable donations like halters and horse feed.
"When I heard Keno was going to be the foster home I was so proud I wanted to cry," said donator Caitlin Beaudry.
"When we heard of this problem we were just inspired to do something for these people," said Janie Hotz.
A group of volunteers from Okotoks, Alta. also helped out by sending a semi-trailer full of goods for the horses.
According to Fyfe, the growing support is already helping the horses improve.
"Today they have a little more 'oomph' to them so it's a good sign," she said.
Peace officers raided the property belonging to Axel Hinz-Schleuter and Dale Huber near Andrew on Feb. 26, and found that 27 horses had already starved to death.
Alberta SPCA officials say the two men each face a dozen charges under the Animal Protection Act for causing an animal to be in distress and failure to care for animals.
They are expected to appear in provincial court in Vegreville, Alberta, on April 21.
With files from Rob McAnally and The Canadian Press
