3 horses, 3 donkeys seized; owner cited

McClellanville — Thick, matted hair concealed sharp bones along the backs and hips of miniature horses and donkeys seized Thursday from a woman authorities said didn't comply with orders to improve their care.

The shaggy coats were a sign that daily brushings had not been done, said Kay Hyman, director of outreach and communications for the Charleston Animal Society. Distended stomachs likely indicated parasites, she said, and one animal needs dental work.

Charleston Animal Control officers received a court order to remove the three ponies and three donkeys from owner Cynthia Dellinger, 50, of 9760 Randall Road. Officers first received a complaint about the care of the animals May 8 and found that five of the six were emaciated, a report stated.

Officers instructed Dellinger to improve care of the animals, which was to include examination by an equine vet, but conditions were unchanged during a follow up visit Thursday, the report said.

Hay was thrown on top of feces and drinking water was stagnant, an officer documented.

Though fresh cedar shavings were in the pens, cedar isn't recommended for bedding horses because it is oily and can cause skin irritation.

Officers issued Dellinger five citations for animal-care violations and one citation for ill treatment of animals. She is due to appear in Magistrate Court on Thursday.

"We try and help (owners) before it gets to this point. It's just unfortunate," said Charlie Karesh, the animal society's board president.

Each trio of animals consists of a father, a mother and a foal. The mothers may be pregnant again, Hyman said. "We think they've been bred."

The horses and donkeys are expected to recover but probably wouldn't have survived in their prior conditions, Animal Control administrative assistant Michelle Buell said.

The animals roamed the barn Friday at the society's facility on Remount Road and munched contentedly on fresh hay. The horses, though more skittish than the donkeys, were starting to become a little less wary of visitors by late afternoon. They were all in for a shave Friday evening.

After testing for disease, the society will be looking for foster families for the animals pending Dellinger's court appearance.

Karesh said he doesn't think finding homes for the diminutive equines will be a problem.

"We've already had people express interest," he said.

Reach Nita Birmingham at 937-5433 or nbirmingham@postandcourier.com.

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