Emaciated Horses Rescued by Local NHSPCA After Newborn Dies

Four horses, including one that was so emaciated it couldn't care for its newborn, were recently rescued by a local organization.

The New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Stratham is caring for the animals, which were surrendered by their owners in Derry. The NHSPCA said the owners couldn't afford to take care of the horses.

A 5-year-old paint pony gave birth Wednesday, but was unable to provide its colt with nutrition, the NHSPCA said. The colt was rushed to the New England Equine Medical Center in Dover.

"Staff there worked through the night to save the colt by providing nutrition, etc. in an effort to stabilize him," said Sheila Ryan, of the NHSPCA. "Unfortunately their work wasn’t enough and on Thursday morning, the newborn colt succumbed."

The mother on Tuesday was being cared for at the NHSPCA, which has a barn.

"She constantly seems to be looking for the baby she lost," Ryan said. "The good news, if there is any in this sad story, is that the horses are mostly young and we believe they have been ridden before this ordeal. We are hopeful that after a period of rehabilitation, they will be adoptable."

The NHSPCA said the horses will need "months" of rehabilitation. The rescue organization is asking for donations, which can be made at its website.