In The News

Rescued horses recuperating at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch
October 17, 2006 - The horses that were involved in the tractor trailer accident on I-44 are on a long road to recovery at the Humane Society's Longmeadow Rescue Ranch. We continue to post updates regarding their condition and custody status. Read the most recent update and find out how you can help these injured horses by becoming a Horse Hero. Read more.

View Video of the Crash Survivors
October 10, 2006 - Watch the rescue crew tell the heart-wrenching story of the overturned tractor trailer carrying horses bound for slaughter and meet the survivors that are on a long road to recovery. This video shows the public the suffering of the animal survivors and to further the case for a permanent ban on horse slaughter. Watch video.

About Willie - Named by rescuers for his strong will to live, Willie is a 4-year-old Black Thoroughbred-type stallion with small star. When he was pulled from the horrible wreck, he had two dead horses and one live horse on top of him. Willie suffered scrapes all over his body, face and legs and he had partial paralysis in his right fore and right rear legs. IV fluids and medication were administered to him at the accident site to keep him comfortable. He has developed a cough and nasal discharge and is in critical condition.

About Bazonka DonkBazonka Donk is a Sorrel Hinny (product of a female ass and male horse). Both of his rear legs had been cut to the bone when the tractor-trailer overturned. Veterinarians anesthetized him to suture his legs. He received medications to make him feel comfortable. He still has some bleeding wounds on his back legs.

Longmeadow Rescue Ranch asks horse lovers to sponsor individual horses from recent interstate accident
Horse Heroes help give a second chance to severely injured horses

October 3, 2006 – The Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch has established a way for the thousands of persons interested in the fate of the equine survivors of last week’s horrific horse-trailer accident to help.

The Horse Heroes sponsorship program has been created featuring photos and descriptions of the surviving horses and hinny. (A hinny is the product of a female ass and a male horse.) Each animal can be sponsored for $25 or more. Sponsor an injured horse online or call 314-951-1542.

Currently, the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch is working with an insurance company to secure ownership of 26 animals so that they will not be sent for slaughter. 

Sponsorship of Willie, Bazonka Donk (pictured left with descriptions) and the other surviving horses will help with costs associated with gaining ownership, meeting the mounting medical expenses to treat their injuries and providing a safe haven for them.

Horses Bound for Slaughter Get Second Chance at Life

September 29, 2006 - The 26 horses rescued alive from an overturned tractor trailer bound for a slaughter house on Wednesday morning continue their long road to recovery.

"A horse trailer accident is a horse person’s worst nightmare. In this case, it was especially egregious because the trailer was double-stacked with horses and going to a slaughter house,” said Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri.

The 26 horses that were rescued alive have all experienced severe trauma, with many horses suffering multiple injuries, including cuts, lacerations, head trauma and even partial paralysis. The horses were taken to the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, Mo., and to several area equine hospitals for treatment.

"The horses rescued face a long, uphill battle to recover from their injuries. Some of the mares are pregnant and veterinarians are watching them closely. The Humane Society of Missouri is doing everything in its power to obtain custody of the horses to provide them a safe haven and save them from slaughter," said Warnick.

Four of the rescued horses recovering at the Humane Society of Missouri's Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.

About Willie
Willie, named by rescuers on the scene for his will to survive because he was lying underneath a pile of dead and dying horses just after the accident, is a 4-year-old brown stallion quarter horse type. As a result of the accident, he had partial right side paralysis and breathing problems. He required IV fluids on the scene and at the triage area due to dehydration. Willie is now at a veterinary hospital with respiratory problems. He’s coughing and is in critical but stable condition.

About Freedom
Freedom, is a 4 year old Gruella gelding, named by the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch staff because staff are doing everything to free him from slaughter.

He has numerous cuts and scrapes, particularly on his legs. Freedom currently is being cared for at the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch. At one point the staff thought they might have to transport him to a veterinary hospital because the treatments required to take care of his wounds might cause him to be skittish and uncooperative. However, staff report he is very gentle and is allowing them to treat him without a whimper.

The 42 horses were on their way from Oklahoma to a slaughterhouse in Dekalb, Ill., one of the three slaughter houses in the United States. The ages of the horses involved in the accident ranged from yearlings to 20 years old. Some appeared malnourished.

“It is a misconception that only old horses are taken to slaughterhouses. As we see in this case, horses of all ages are being shipped to slaughterhouses. There are alternatives to slaughtering horses, including adoption and supporting rescue groups like the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch,” said Warnick.

Last year, nearly 100,000 American horses were either killed at one of the three United States slaughterhouses for export or shipped to Canada or Mexico for slaughter. On February 1, 2005, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503) was introduced into Congress.

The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act prohibits the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption and for other purposes.

On September 7, the U.S. House voted 263-146 to pass the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, moving the country closer to preventing annual slaughter of nearly 100,000 horses in the United States for human consumption abroad. The Senate bill (S.1915) currently is awaiting action.

“The Humane Society of Missouri vigorously supports the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. This incident is just the latest example of why it is so important to urge the Senate to pass their version of the bill,” said Warnick.

To help defer the costs of this rescue and the Humane Society’s efforts to obtain custody of these animals, people can donate online or call 314-951-1542.

26 Horses Rescued from Horrific Highway Accident Receiving Care
Horses suffered multiple injuries; some in critical condition

September 28, 2006- 26 of the 42 horses involved in a trailer accident on Highway I-44 early yesterday morning near St. Clair, Missouri are alive and being cared for at the Humane Society of Missouri's Longmeadow Rescue Ranch and several local equine centers.

The 26 living horses sustained injuries which include head trauma, internal injuries, eye swelling, ruptured tendon sheath, cuts and lacerations. One is suffering some leg paralysis. One small colt suffered nerve damage in his lower lip. Veterinarians sutured additional lacerations suffered by a pregnant mare who remains in guarded condition. All experienced severe trauma and, according to veterinarians, will require some time to recover.

"This was our worst possible nightmare, but one that we're prepared for," said Longmeadow Rescue Ranch Director Earlene Cole. The ranch is caring for eight of the rescued horses, one of which may need hospitalization.

The horses were bound for a slaughter house in Dekalb, IL. The Humane Society of Missouri is working to gain custody of the rescued horses to prevent them from being slaughtered and to provide them with a safe haven.

The Humane Society of Missouri vigorously supports the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503), recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, which would outlaw the slaughter of horses for human consumption.  The U.S. Senate must pass its version of the bill (S. 1915).

Make a donation to help defer the costs of this rescue and the Humane Society’s efforts to obtain custody of these animals. Donate online or call 314-951-1542.

Humane Society of Missouri Rescues Horses from Overturned Trailer

Longmeadow Rescue Ranch Director Earlene Cole and a local veterinarian tend to an injured horse who was affectionately named "Willie" for his will to live. Although he requires medical attention, he is expected to survive.

September 27, 2006 - 42 horses in a trailer bound for DeKalb, IL slaughter house were involved in accident on Highway I-44 early this morning near St. Clair, Missouri. At 3:15 a.m. Incident Commander and Longmeadow Rescue Ranch Director Earlene Cole received a call from the Franklin County Sheriff’s office about the overturned trailer. Cole immediately directed a team of veterinarians and rescue personnel who arrived on the scene shortly after 4 a.m.

26 horses were rescued alive and taken to St. Clair Saddle Club for triage and assessment. 7 horses died on the scene as a result of the accident and 9 seriously injured horses were humanely euthanized at the direction of the veterinarian on the scene.

Many of the surviving horses are now being treated at area equine hospitals, and others have been taken to the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, Missouri. The Humane Society of Missouri is working to obtain custody of the horses in order to provide them with a safe haven. 

The Humane Society of Missouri also vigorously support the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503), recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, which would outlaw the slaughter of horses for human consumption.  Now the U.S. Senate must pass its version of the bill (S. 1915).

The Humane Society of Missouri and its Longmeadow Rescue Ranch have been designated as first responders in emergencies and disasters involving animals. Longmeadow, located in Union, Missouri, and operated by the Humane Society of Missouri, is one of the largest horse and farm rescue and rehabilitation facilities in the United States.

Make a donation to help defer the costs of this rescue and the Humane Society’s efforts to obtain custody of these animals. Donate online or call 314-951-1542.

More Humane Society News:

Katrina Pet Tales Chronicles Heroic Efforts To Rescue Thousands
Of Pets Following Hurricane's Aftermath

Dog’s Death Provides Warning to Pet Owners

Rescued Chihuahua Recovering at Humane Society of Missouri

Police Chiefs Partner with the Humane Society of Missouri to Advise
the Public of Proper Pet Care During Dog Days of Summer

Humane Society of Missouri Pet Cooling Center Provides Relief for
Pet Owners Without Power

For last year's news stories, click here. For information on previous rescues,
read our Rescue Diaries.