NEAR FALKLAND – One of the Armstrong horses that was sold at auction after her owner was charged with animal cruelty offences got a new start Friday. The horse rescue that took her in says she was not in good condition when they got her in February but early this morning Annie, a black mare, gave birth to a foal.
All of the horses at the auction belonged to Gary Roberts who was charged with two animal cruelty offense after 16 of his horses were seized in December.
Outbackjacks Horse Rescue, near Falkland bought a pregnant Annie for $850. Director Gena Sandli says the mare was emaciated.
“She was full of lice and she had a serious worm condition,” says Sandli. “Her weight was about two per cent body fat.”
Now Sandli says Annie is between four and five per cent body fat and the infestations are under control. Just after 7:00 a.m. Friday morning Annie had her foal and both mother and baby are doing well. The successful birth was a happy occasion considering Annie’s previous state.
The horse rescue plans to keep the pair for awhile. Annie should be able to gain weight more easily now that she has given birth and the plan is to eventually put the horses up for adoption.
Roberts has said he never abused animals. His case is scheduled to be back in court April 29th.
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