60 Abandoned Horses From Texas Rehabilitated In Colorado

FRANKTOWN, Colo. (CBS4)- The Dumb Friends League has taken in 60 horses that were subjected to "horrific cruelty" in Texas.

More than 200 horses were rescued in June and suffered from a wide range of health problems including emaciation, abscesses and open wounds, and hoof problems. According to the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the majority appeared to have never received hoof care or experienced human contact.

The rehabilitation process is expected to take several months due to the condition of the horses.

The 60 horses transferred to Colorado are being rehabilitated at the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center in Franktown.

The Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center does not normally accept equines from outside Colorado but the center said because of the large number of horses and severity of their condition, the league made special arrangements to support the other shelter's efforts.

"One of our core values is collaboration," said Bob Rohde, president and CEO of the Dumb Friends League, in a statement. "This is a unique situation in which one of our partners needs help caring for these horses, and we have the capacity and resources to assist them at this time."

"The Houston SPCA has truly done an incredible job with these horses," said Rohde. "We look forward to continuing the progress they've already made and helping these animals live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives."

Additional Information from the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center:

If you would like to make a donation to help the Dumb Friends League care for these horses and others currently at the Harmony Equine Center, please visit ddfl.org or call (303) 751-5772.

The Harmony Equine Center is a private rehabilitation and adoption facility for horses, ponies, donkeys and mules that have been removed from owners' care by law enforcement authorities. It is one of only a handful of facilities of its kind in the nation.