Horses removed from Cumberland County farm over concerns of abuse
New information was shared Tuesday after seven horses were removed from a Cumberland County farm as part of an investigation into possible mistreatment.
Cumberland County Animal Services said Monday two adult horses and five foals were removed from Witts End Quarter Horses property in the 4800 block of Enniskillen Road.
Animal Services Director Elaine Smith said the seven horses removed were at highest risk of injury.
One of the foals was transferred to an equine hospital on Aug. 23, along with its mother, due to the severity of its injuries. That horse remains at the facility with its mother and is responding well to treatment.
The other five horses remain at Cumberland County Animal Services under the supervision of an equine veterinarian.
According to Smith, there are still animals on the farm, but they are being monitored.
WRAL News learned Cumberland County Animal Services received more than 500 calls and e-mails about the horses.
The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office is investigating whether to consider charges of animal cruelty.
When WRAL News asked if Witts End would have to close if found guilty of animal cruelty, Smith said a judge would decide.
She also said the horse farm was cooperating with the investigation, explaining, "They were cooperative in allowing us to remove the horses and did assist in humanely handling and loading the horses off their facility."
Video shared with WRAL News shows a young horse being sprayed in the face and other places while it is on the ground. A different part of the same video shows the horse falling to the ground.
Other videos show a horse being dragged and a young horse flailing around while on the ground.
WRAL News reached out to Witts End Quarter Horses. No one would comment about the horses being removed, but someone with the company emailed over the weekend:
"I have no reason to speak our side of the story to you guys. Animal Control and the police will be the only two authorities that will get our story. ... We have nothing to hide and the truth will come to light and make everyone online look like idiots."
