Update on Bobby, NYC Carriage Horse Rescued from Slaughter
Bobby, the NYC Carriage horse Friends of Animals helped rescue from a Pennsylvania slaughter auction on June 25th in a collaborative effort with the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages and Equine Advocates is now doing well and getting adjusted to his new home at the beautiful Equine Advocates Sanctuary in Chatham, New York. As a recent press release explained, Bobby was destined for the slaughterhouse after he could no longer make a profit for his owners — NYC carriage horse operators — and our efforts ensured that he would be spared this fate and would live the rest of his life in freedom.
Bobby, a bay gelding who is estimated to be 18 years old was examined by a veterinarian after his rescue and was found to be in very bad shape with lameness in his front right leg, stomach worms and teeth that were badly neglected. Bobby also had several scars on his face and around his neck that were caused by the equipment that he was forced to wear while pulling a carriage.
I had the opportunity to visit Bobby at his new home on July 11th, at the sanctuary where over 80 rescued horses live in freedom on 140 peaceful acres.
Bobby was frisky, curious and affectionate, and was thrilled at the carrots I’d brought as a treat. In spite of the neglect and exploitation he’d endured for his entire life, Bobby’s joyous spirit was in evidence during my visit.
A July 5th New York Times article detailing Bobby’s rescue and relocation to the sanctuary included a description of the first thing Bobby did when he got there: roll around on the grass.
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4 Comments
On July 22, 2010, Donna Skjeveland wrote:
I was so happy to read about Bobby’s new life. God bless you all. And I am so happy to read about the NYC protest.
These horsedrawn carriages should be banned and the horses retired to beautiful sanctuaries. I cringe when I am in NYC and see these poor animals pulling some fat ass tourists around.
On July 28, 2010, Miriam Quevedo wrote:
I agree that this horse drawn carriages should be banned everywhere. When I visit New York City I cry to see these animals pulling these carriages in extreme heat or cold weather and not treated properly. I thank God for people who do care about these animals and do something about it. I pray that we can rescue more of these beautiful gentle creatures from the slaughterhouses.
On July 28, 2010, Rachael wrote:
its cool to see carriages and horses but its cruelty to horses its horrible! It should be illegal everywhere. And im so HAPPY FOR BOBBY:)!! Also why cant these people walk…
And i feel bad for all the other horses but im glad that bobby was found:)
On August 20, 2010, Dolores wrote:
Thank God that there are still people in the world that care about the horses that are forced to work in the streets of NYC.They do not belong in the city, all horses deserve to be living in the country,where they were meant to be.It is just a money making business and when these poor horses get hurt or to old they are sent to auction,and will most likely end up in the kill pens.