A Florida animal sanctuary is proving that “there is always hope” by rescuing animals in distress.
Laurie Hood, the founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, shared with PEOPLE that her shelter was recently contacted by local law enforcement and animal control officials to provide “emergency assistance” when their agency seized 21 horses from a facility where they were reportedly “emaciated, malnourished, and neglected.”
“Many of the horses were severely underweight, with ribs and hip bones protruding beneath their dull, patchy coats,” Hood said. “It was clear they had not received proper care or consistent nutrition for a very long time. Some also showed signs of untreated medical conditions, their coats infested with botfly larvae, and their hooves were neglected.”
Alaqua Animal Refuge was already at full capacity due to animals displaced by Hurricane Milton. However, this did not stop the shelter from taking the necessary steps to ensure they could accept the new arrivals.
“Although we had reached full capacity, we activated emergency shelter protocols to ensure these animals had a safe place,” Hood explained. “In fact, our emergency shelter just cleared out after housing animals displaced by Hurricane Milton, highlighting that our resources are constantly being tested in times of crisis.”
Sadly, Hood shared that “eight of the 21 horses were in critical condition, severely emaciated, and barely able to stand.” As a result, two horses “were neglected to the point of passing away shortly after arrival,” which Hood described as a “heartbreaking loss.”
Despite the “incredibly sad” deaths of the two horses, Hood proudly shared that the remaining 19 horses “never lost their innate resilience” and began showing signs of progress just days after arriving.
“Some of the horses began approaching staff more willingly, looking forward to being walked around the shelter. There were moments when a horse, previously too weak to show any interest, would nicker softly as someone came near with fresh hay,” she noted.
During their recovery, the horses will receive 24/7 care from Alaqua’s veterinary team, caregivers, volunteers, and horse specialists, who monitor each horse’s weight, appetite, and behavior daily, adjusting their plans as needed.
For Hood, the progress of these suffering animals so far has been marked by “small but powerful signs [reminding] us that hope is always possible – and that, with time and care, these horses can regain the trust, comfort, and bright future they so deserve.”
