Neglected Horses Rescued from Stud Farm in Lower Austria

The reason for this was an animal keeping ban imposed in the fall of 2024 against the operator of a stud farm, which only became legally binding in March 2025 after an appeal. According to the authorities, the removal of the animals required coordinated collaboration with animal transporters and shelters – an organizational effort spanning several weeks.

Pfotenhilfe takes in two horses

Two particularly severely affected horses were taken about 300 kilometers away to the animal protection farm Pfotenhilfe in the border region between Upper Austria and Salzburg. Managing director Johanna Stadler describes the condition of the animals as "extremely pitiful": severe emaciation, inflamed eyes, skin fungus, cracked hooves, nasal discharge, poor dental hygiene, as well as lameness and a tumor.

"Anyone who treats their animals so poorly or neglects necessary treatments has forfeited any right to keep animals," said Stadler.

Animals receive medical care

Since their arrival, the animals have been cared for around the clock, according to Stadler. The veterinarian specializing in horses, Michael Wimmer from Mattsee, is leading the medical measures. In addition to veterinary care, the animals receive appropriate feeding and nutritional supplements.

The horses are housed in open stabling under constant observation – with the goal of gradually reducing their fear of humans. A farrier is expected to perform further treatments soon.

Further Steps Likely

Originally, there may have been more animals on the farm. Some were apparently removed before the official seizure.

Observers assume that the case is not yet closed. The operator is said to have ignored official requirements for years and filed a complaint against the animal keeping ban. It is expected that legal action will also be taken against the current seizure.

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.