Abused horses seized in Escambia County

BREWTON, Ala. (WALA) - Escambia County Alabama Humane Society Director Renee Jones said the group has seized five abused horses from a Brewton man.

The Escambia County Humane Society identifies the owner as 72-year-old William Fuqua.

Jones said over the past few years, the Humane Society monitored the nourishment of the horses and found that the horses were found without food or water many times.

They said it became frustrating to see the horses in that condition.

“(It was hard ) to see them look in your eye, and say 'Are you going to help us or just keep throwing hay over the fence?'” Jones said.

Jones worked with the Escambia County Alabama Sheriff's Office, and now Fuqua is facing five counts of animal cruelty.

"We finally had to say, ‘Okay, he's not going to get water on the property. He's not going to consistently hay or feed these animals. He's not going to clean up this property,’" said Jones.

Jones said the horses owner would sometimes show improvement in taking care of the animals, but would revert to his original behavior soon after. She also said there was no grass or a water connection going into the place where the horses were kept.

The horses have been moved to a foster home while the humane society works to improve their health.

 If you want to the agency provide care for the horses click here .