EAST HAMPTON — A group of animals seized from an East Hampton farm earlier this month are on the mend, thanks to public support. On Feb. 2, more than 30 horses and dozens of other animals were seized by the Department of Agriculture from Fairy Tail Equine.
A week later, the Dept. of Agriculture said the animals are recovering well and they thanked the public for making that recovery possible.
“We have taken many dozens of calls from concerned people across the country wanting to adopt the animals or offering donations to be used for the animals’ care,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steven K. Reviczky. “Their support is greatly appreciated and will help ensure the agency has resources to dedicate to the animals’ rehabilitation.”
In total 32 horses, two dogs, 78 chickens and 19 rabbits were removed from the farm as part of an ongoing animal cruelty investigation. Criminal charges have not yet been filed against the owners, but officials say they are still investigating. Nearly all of the animals were found to be malnourished, and many were also suffering from other ailments stemming from lack of proper shelter and veterinary care.
The horses are being cared for at the department’s large animal rehabilitation facility in Niantic, and the other animals at various municipal shelters in the state. The department will seek to obtain formal custody of the animals from their owners at a Superior Court hearing later this month.
“We are making sure that the horses’ nutritional and medical needs are met and that they are adapting well to their new environment,” said Dr. Thor Hyyppa, who gave each of the horses an extensive examination. “In general, the horses are certainly more alert and brighter than they were when they arrived here.”
Those wishing to donate to the care and feeding of the animals may make a contribution by check to:
- THE ANIMAL ABUSE COST RECOVERY ACCOUNT
- c/o Connecticut Department of Agriculture
- 165 Capitol Avenue, Room G-8A
- Hartford, CT 06106
Donations can also be made through a GoFundMe page created by State Rep. Melissa Ziobron.
As of Tuesday afternoon, more than $11,000 has been donated. Donations to either fund will be used to purchase hay, grain, bedding, veterinary services and to cover other associated costs.
