Abused Farm Animals Looking for New Homes

Charleston, W.Va. – Fifty-seven miniature horses and donkeys seized back in February by the Lewis County Commission need new forever homes. The animals were rescued after being mistreated by their owner. For the past six months, they’ve been nursed back to health. Last week the owner pleaded guilty in court and relinquished custody of the animals to the county. A public auction will be held on the steps of the Lewis County Courthouse on Friday, August 19 at 10 a.m. to place the miniature horses and donkeys with new owners.
A photo catalog of the animals will be available August 15 at http://www.lewiscountywv.org or a copy can be obtained from the Lewis County Commission office at 304-269-8200. All the animals have had their Coggins test and a full health inspection. Any continuing medical treatments will be identified in the catalog. Several mothers and foals will be sold as a pair.
Once the animals are auctioned off, payment is due on the date of sale. Successful bidders will be required to take possession and transport the animals no earlier than one hour after the completion of the sale and no later than 4 p.m. the same day. All sales are final and any animals remaining after 4 p.m. will become the property of the Lewis County Commission with no refunds.
“These animals have been through a lot. We hope they will be relocated to farms where they are well cared for,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Walt Helmick.
If you have any questions, contact WVDA Communications Officer Buddy Davidson at 304-558-3708/304-541-5932 or bdavidson@wvda.us.