posted
on Thursday, July 25, 2024
in
News
It was a sight we’d never seen and hope to never see again: A giant, shockingly thin horse being forced to pull a carriage in downtown Des Moines.
Not only was Bruce suffering from malnutrition when ARL Animal Services officers arrived, he was being forced to work in 90-degree heat. Attached to the heavy carriage, his ribs, hips and spine jutted from beneath his skin, he dripped in sweat, he had sores across his body, and his breathing was heavy. He had clearly been suffering for a long time.
An equine veterinarian at the ARL found that Bruce, a Percheron draft horse, was at least 500 pounds underweight for his breed.
No horse should have to suffer like this, much less work in such terrible condition.
Thankfully Bruce is now safe at the ARL and a judge has ruled that he should not be returned to his owner. He’s 19 hands high and has already gained about 100 pounds in our care while we awaited the court’s ruling, but it will be months before he is at a healthy weight and ready for adoption.
Bruce didn’t get this way overnight, and helping him gain the literal hundreds of pounds he needs to be healthy will be expensive. Your support now will mean everything to Bruce, who has been the kindest, most gentle patient despite all he has been through.
Your donation to our Second Chance Ranch Fund today will help provide food and medical care for Bruce now, and your monthly gift will help him and other horses like him recover from neglect and put them on the path to better lives. Plus, when you give now through July 30, your gift will be matched 10 TIMES, up to $25,000, thanks to a generous matching gift opportunity from American Equity as part of the ARL’s Day of Giving.
Give now to make 10X the difference for Bruce and other horses in need. You’ll show Bruce that there is hope. Life only gets better from here.
Donate
P.S.: Bruce’s owner, Ramsey Zimmerman, has been charged with livestock neglect, and the ARL is continuing to assist Des Moines Police with this case. When you give today or join our Loyal Friends Club monthly giving program, you’ll automatically be enrolled to receive updates on Bruce.