HOUSTON

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FOLEY - Mike Houston of Foley is being charged with Animal Cruelty, a Class A Misdemeanor. The animals in question, four horses, have been taken from the field and moved to other locations where they can receive medical attention and recover.

On Wednesday, March 24, a post was made on Facebook with photos of the neglected horses, located in a field near Beulah Heights Park. The Foley Police Department was notified of the situation. By 6 a.m. Thursday, March 25, Foley officers were developing an investigation that took place throughout the day.

“Part of these types of investigations is to get a vet out to perform an evaluation on the animals,” said Chief Thurston Bullock. “We try to find out if it’s a case of neglect or abuse, and if so then what causes it and what do the animals need.”

Two of the rescued horses were taken for immediate care and rehabilitation. Both horses received a one out of nine on the Henneke horse body condition scoring system, the lowest score possible. The remaining horses received a two out of nine and a two and a half out of nine respectively. The scale is designed to evaluate the amount of fat on a horse’s bodies, with the average ranging from four to six.

The Foley Police Department worked with rescue groups in order to get the horses relocated. Two are in need of homes and will remain with the rescue group until homes are found. Those interested in assisting with the horses’ recovery and veterinary bill can contact the Baldwin Animal Clinic at 251-989-6213.