On September 25th, the Mississippi Animal Rescue League (MARL) received a call from Sheriff James Moore of the Kemper County Sheriff’s Department about a critical case of animal neglect.
A 7-year-old horse was found in severe distress, confined to an area with only dirt and leaves, lacking proper care.
Despite claims from the owner of feeding the horse twice a day, Sheriff Moore confirmed that the animal was not being fed and convinced the owner to release the horse to avoid a court order voluntarily.
When the horse arrived at MARL, the vet said the horse was in an extreme state of starvation, rated at 0 on the Henneke Body Scoring System—a scale of 1 to 9, where 1 is poor and 9 is extremely fat.
Such a low score indicated the horse was near death.
Given the horse’s condition, MARL carefully began his recovery, allowing him to graze and gradually introducing hay as his body adjusted to proper nutrition. MARL’s vet, Dr. Fooshee is monitoring the horse closely and will expand his diet as the horse gains strength.
MARL said that the horse’s recovery journey will be long and slow, and the rescue is asking for donations to cover his special needs, medical and hoof care, and eventual gelding once he regains sufficient health. Donations can be made through MARL’s website or by mail at 5221 Greenway Dr. Ext., Jackson, MS 39204.
In addition, MARL is inviting supporters to help name this noble horse. The organization thanked the Kemper County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Moore for acting quickly and saving this sweet animal.
