Twenty-one horses and a donkey were rescued from three Des Moines area properties in a span of two days and placed in the care of the Iowa Animal Rescue League.
The equines were identified to be in the care of Angela Voyna, 48, of Runnells. She maintains around 40 horses on four separate properties, according to a court filing. She was charged with two counts of animal neglect causing injury or death on Friday, May 29, after search warrants were conducted at two addresses where she housed horses, one in Runnells and another in Pleasant Hill.
Initially, 10 horses and a donkey were rescued by the ARL’s Animal Welfare & Response Team on Wednesday, May 27, from two locations owned. On Thursday, May 28, eleven more horses were rescued from another of Voyna’s properties, according to a news release from the ARL.
The rescued animals were relocated to the Iowa ARL’s Second Chance Ranch in Des Moines.
“Nearly every equine is underweight or very thin, and all are suffering from hoof problems requiring farrier care,” the release said.
The animals were had parasites, and many sported untreated wounds, fungal and skin infections. Many of the animals were also allegedly suffering from noticeable injuries.
One horse had joint issues and chronic pain that made it hard to walk, and was euthanized after “suffering beyond help and his quality of life was extremely poor,” the release said.
Extensive veterinary care is required for the animals, according to the release.
“Cases like this place an enormous strain on our resources, but when animals are suffering, we do not turn away,” the release said.
Owner allegedly didn’t provide proper care or food for animals
Law enforcement received a report of numerous livestock that appeared to be in “poor body condition” and kept in “an environment which is not consistent with customary husbandry practices” in early May. The animals allegedly did not have adequate food, water and shelter. Many of the enclosures where horses were being housed were allegedly “inappropriate and unsafe,” according to court filings.
“We do not feel Angela Voyna can carry out a treatment plan to return the horses to acceptable conditions,” a veterinarian who assessed the horses said in a court filing. “We are concerned about the owner’s judgment and ability to make improvements in care.”
Voyna is scheduled to have a hearing on Monday, June 1, at the Polk County Historical Courthouse.
Kyle Werner is the breaking news and public safety reporter for the Register. Reach him at kwerner@registermedia.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: ARL removes horses from Iowa properties, owner charged with neglect
Reporting by Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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