Des Moines man charged with livestock neglect after malnourished carriage horse seen downtown

A Des Moines man has been charged with livestock neglect after a nonprofit animal shelter received a report of a “very thin” horse pulling a carriage around downtown.

Animal Rescue League of Iowa officials responded to a call of a malnourished horse pulling a carriage in downtown Des Moines on June 22, Mackenzie Morgen, spokesperson of the nonprofit, said in a statement. ARL animal service officers reported they could see “every rib” protruding from beneath the horse’s skin.

The Percheron horse, named Bruce, was “clearly malnourished,” Morgen said. Bruce’s hips and spine were also protruding from beneath the skin.

Percheron horses are one the largest and oldest breeds of horses which are known for pulling heavy equipment such as carriages and heavy farming machinery, according to WebMD.

Officials reported that Bruce was dripping in sweat and had flaring nostrils in the 90-degree temperature, Morgen said. Officials also noted Bruce had small sores and open wounds across his body.

Des Moines Police Department has charged the owner with livestock neglect, Morgen said.

District Court Judge Becky Goettsch ruled that Bruce would not be returned to the owner on July 12. Her ruling, based on testimony from a humane officer and an equine veterinarian from Iowa State University, determined that Bruce was significantly underweight and that the owner's assertions to the contrary were "unpersuasive."

Bruce, who had been reported to be 500 pounds underweight, has been placed in the care of Animal Rescue League officials and has since gained 100 pounds in recovery, Morgen said.

It will take months before Bruce will be at a healthy weight and ready for adoption, Morgen said.

“No horse should have to suffer like this, much less be forced to work while in such terrible condition,” The nonprofit’s CEO Tom Colvin said. “Despite all he has been through, Bruce has only been kind and gentle. We’re happy with his progress so far, but he has a very long road ahead. He didn’t get this way overnight.”

Those interested can donate to the nonprofit’s Second Chance Ranch Fund to help Bruce on its website.

José Mendiola is a breaking news reporter for the Register. Reach him at jmendiola@dmreg.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines man charged with livestock neglect after malnourished carriage horse seen downtown