(Des Moines, IA) -- A severely underweight draft horse is gaining weight after being taken in by the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. The ARL says the horse was spotted pulling a carriage in downtown Des Moines last month. A vet determined the horse was at least 500 pounds underweight. The horse is now recovering at the ARL's Second Chance Ranch, and has gained about 100 pounds in the past few weeks.
The ARL says in addition to being severely underweight, the Percheron horse had small sores and open wounds.
Des Moines Police charged Bruce’s owner, Ramsey Zimmerman, with livestock neglect. On July 12, a judge ruled that Bruce should not be returned to Zimmerman.
“No horse should have to suffer like this, much less be forced to work while in such terrible condition,” said ARL CEO Tom Colvin. “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.”