This tiny horse named Tiny is currently prancing its petite hooves on the lengthy path towards improved well-being after being rescued from a life of neglect. However, Tiny is not the sole one requiring assistance.

Jo Mann, the founder of Big Oaks, informed The Dodo that the horses exhibited visible distress, with painfully overgrown hair and hooves. They were also provided with rotten hay as food. Although Mann had hoped that all the animals would be seized by authorities, the elderly owner was only persuaded to voluntarily surrender three, including Tiny, who appeared to be in the worst condition. Unfortunately, one of the horses passed away later.

“The remaining two are doing as well as can be expected. They are receiving the best care possible,” stated Mann. “However, it is the 31 others still present that concern me the most.”

Mann expressed disappointment in the lack of action taken by the Spartanburg County Office of Environmental Enforcement to rescue the remaining miniature horses, most of which were confined in a “filthy” barn.

“On that day, the officer in charge told me, ‘Well, the old man says he loves the horses,’” recounted Mann. “Based on the photos I was shown, I can only imagine that looking inside that barn would bring tears to your eyes. I know some counties would have seized all 34, but Spartanburg did not.”

Instead of facing charges of animal cruelty, which is considered a felony in South Carolina, the owner and caretaker of the horses received three citations for ill treatment of animals.

James Nelson, the head of environmental enforcement, assured the Spartanburg Herald-Journal that officers would conduct follow-up visits to monitor the horses. However, Mann believes that their current condition already necessitates more decisive action.

“When you observe hooves that are excessively overgrown, resembling elf shoes and turning upwards and sideways, it is evident that proper care has been neglected. I would venture to say that their hooves have not been trimmed for a couple of years,” he remarked. “The feed found outside was black, indicating a lack of nutrition.”

While Big Oaks Rescue Farm is prepared to provide a safe haven for the remaining miniature horses, the initiative lies with Spartanburg County animal control to take the initial step.

“These animals cannot dial 911, and we do not have the authority to enter the property. We are helpless, relying on the authorities,” expressed Mann. “I empathize with the elderly man who owns them, but it is clear that his horses are in desperate need of assistance.”