$12,000 Raised for Abused Animals from Connecticut Farm

A GoFundMe crowdfunding effort has raised nearly $12,000 for the care of abused animals from the Fairy Tail Equine facility in East Hampton.

On Feb. 2, 32 horses, two dogs, 78 chickens and 19 rabbits were removed from Fairy Tail Equine as part of an ongoing animal cruelty investigation conducted by the state Department of Agriculture, which led to the fundraising initiative.

Nearly all of the animals were found to be malnourished, and many were also suffering from other ailments stemming from lack of proper shelter and veterinary care.

“We have taken many dozens of calls from concerned people across the country wanting to adopt the animals or offering donations to be used for the animals’ care,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steven K. Reviczky in a statement. “Their support is greatly appreciated and will help ensure the agency has resources to dedicate to the animals’ rehabilitation.”

The animal cruelty investigation is continuing, and the owners of the facility could face criminal charges, according to Reviczky.

Officials said the horses are being cared for at the department’s large animal rehabilitation facility in Niantic, and the other animals at various municipal shelters in the state. The department will seek to obtain formal custody of the animals from their owners at a Superior Court hearing scheduled to be held in the next few weeks.

The outcome of the hearing will determine what measures the department can take, if any, to find new homes for the animals.

Each of the horses was given an extensive examination late last week by Dr. Thor Hyyppa, an equine veterinarian working on behalf of the Department of Agriculture. Hyyppa spent about 30 minutes examining each horse to evaluate their overall condition, including assessing their heart, lungs, teeth, eyes and hooves.

“We are making sure that the horses’ nutritional and medical needs are met and that they are adapting well to their new environment,” said Hyyppa in a statement from the Niantic facility. “In general, the horses are certainly more alert and brighter than they were when they arrived here.”

The horses currently require about 50 bales of hay daily, as well as about 40 bags of pine shavings used for bedding.

Grain will be introduced as feed as the horses’ condition improve.

Those wishing to donate to the care and feeding of the animals may make a contribution by check to:

THE ANIMAL ABUSE COST RECOVERY ACCOUNT

c/o Connecticut Department of Agriculture

165 Capitol Avenue, Room G-8A

Hartford, CT 06106

Donations also may be made through the GoFundMe page, which was created by State Rep. Melissa Ziobron specifically for this purpose at: https://www.gofundme.com/animalwelfare06424

Money donated to either fund will be used to purchase hay, grain, bedding, veterinary services and to cover other associated costs, officials said.

“The Department of Agriculture thanks those who have offered donations of feed, equipment or supplies. But because the horses require a prescribed diet and other special considerations, the department encourages donors to make contributions to either of the funds listed above so that appropriate items can be procured.”

Photos: Some of the horses seized Feb. 2 from Fairy Tail Equine in East Hampton being treated late last week by equine veterinarian Dr. Thor Hyyppa in Niantic. Photo credit: Connecticut Department of Agriculture/Steve Jensen