HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. -- Dozens of horses were rescued from what officials are calling "deplorable" living conditions in Hernando County.
- Animals recovering at ranch in Pasco County
- Vet to evaluate horses to determine proper treatment
- Erik, Christina Jenks run horse rescue in Spring Hill
Now, many of the animals are recovering at a ranch in Pasco County.
Pasco County firefighter Erik Jenks and his wife Christina Jenks run a horse rescue called Jenks Ranch and Equine Rescue in Spring Hill.
The couple started transporting malnourished horses back to their property from Kenton Canines Kennel in Weeki Wachee Thursday night, after being contacted by Hernando County Animal Enforcement.
The Jenks said a veterinarian will evaluate all of the horses to determine proper treatment. Some of them will then be placed at other rescues, while at least 17 will remain on the Jenks' property until they are healthy enough to be adopted.
"It's a drive," said Christina Jenks. "Seeing these animals that are innocent. They don't have a voice for themselves and wanting to be the person that's there to stand up for them.
"It's almost like a peaceful feeling knowing that we’re giving them what they need," Jenks said.