Gibson County

Gibson County

10/2/06
The horses have been released as evidence from the county, however some are not yet released from medical at this time. Feel free to call and check on any you may be interested in. We will have updated info soon!

10/1/06
I am just a little behind on the website due to the overwhelming amount of paperwork with taking in a total of 35 horses. It is so rewarding to have the help of another rescue and have them jump in and transport the number of horses that had to be transported. Indiana Haven has been fantastic and their help with this enormous rescue effort. Much thanks goes to everyone for help in organizing and transporting so many horses to our Southern and Main Divisions. Gibson County Animal Services and Sheriff Department have been FANTASTIC! To work with a county that wants so much to see the horses cared for and cared for properly, to get the paperwork and 2nd warrant in a timely manner - great work to Brenda and everyone at GCAS!! Thank you does not begin to say what we feel, but we know it has certainly been a pleasure to have the help of a county prosecutor and everyone involved in this horrific case. Thanks to everyone.

9/14/06
IHR Chief Investigator Tony Caldwell and other volunteers are assisting Gibson County Animal Control in a follow up visit to Mr. Stallings farm today. We will post more as it becomes available.

9/10/06
It has been a very long week. Indiana Horse Rescue (IHR) was called on 9/6/06 regarding a neglect situation that was under investigation for 8 months. Additional help was needed. Gibson County Animal Services (GCAS) did not feel they had the resources or knowledge to handle this large of a problem. Director of the Equine Division Anthony Caldwell and 2 volunteers drove down 9/6/06 to meet with Brenda Foley, the Animal Control Officer (ACO) and her staff and do an inspection of the facility on 9/7/06. On 9/7/06, after documenting and making notes on the animals in the barn and quick tour was made of the outdoor pastures. There was just not enough time or manpower to assess all of those in the fields - notes were made regarding the most urgent. (GCAS) and (IHR) sat down to discuss how to deal with the problem, and which horses were in most dire need. Calls went out to every available person to transport horses. By the time the horses were marked for seizure and loaded, it was approximately midnight of 9/7/06. 6 horses were transported to a local site while 20 others had a 2+ hour drive to IHR South for immediate assessment by a veterinarian. Many of these horses had little handling and appeared to never have been loaded in a trailer. Many were afraid to leave their pen, with the 2+ foot drop being quite a task for those with the most severe hoof problems.

We were pleased with the help of the Gibson County Sheriff Department in taking over the crime seen of the deceased animals. Many samples were needed to be sent in for analysis. More deceased animals were found and documented.

Mr. Stallings was given an additional 5 days to get work done before another inspection will be made.

These are preliminary photos. Better pictures that show the actual deficiency of each horse will be posted soon. 9 more horses were seized on 9/14/06 after a search warrant was issued. Details of the 2nd seizure will be forthcoming.

We are also set up to take credit cards over the phone - call in your donation now!