Six horses survive Floyd County massacre

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) — Animal rescue workers are worried four horses in Floyd County are at risk of being shot after someone killed 20 others from their herd.

The rescue groups are trying to rescue them but are facing challenges along the way.

Six horses survived the massacre we told you about two weeks ago when 20 horses were found shot and killed on a strip mine.

A pregnant mom and her colt have already been taken to the Kentucky Humane Society’s Simpsonville farm.

It was at full capacity, but knew it had to make room.

“The first time in years that I have felt we have made a victory and been a true voice for these horses,” says Tonya Conn, president of Dumas Rescue.

But Dumas Rescue says there are still four others, suffering from PTSD, and left vulnerable where their herd-mates were shot.

It plans to take them to the farm by the end of the week, but weather and terrain only accessible by ATV is making it hard.

“I am worried for them. We worry about copycat killings. We worry about people thinking this is a new sport,” says Conn.

“Any horse I would think at this point that is left unattended and to fend for themselves on a mine site in eastern Kentucky in the Appalachian region is at risk,” says KY Humane Society President Lori Redmon.

Plus, the horses’ killer still isn’t behind bars.

The sheriff thinks because the land is so hard to get to the shooter could be a nearby land owner.

He says the department has a good tip he hopes will lead to an arrest soon.

Sheriff John Hunt says the suspect could face 20 counts of animal cruelty plus he’s hoping a new federal statute will apply.

“I would ask for the max and I’m sure our prosecutors would too,” says Hunt.

Rescue groups say there is an overpopulation of abandoned horses in eastern Kentucky but don’t shoot them. Call for help.

They hope this case will lead state legislators to introduce stricter laws protecting animals.

“It is my daily prayer that these horses did not die in vain,” says Conn.

The reward for information leading to an arrest is $20,000.

You can also help name the surviving horses on Kentucky Humane Equine Care’s Facebook page.

Plus financial help is needed to care for them. You can donate here.