Sunny's Attack

Sunny is a 15 year old Palomino that was one of two horses saved from auction the day before Easter. We promised them their life would start over again - without pain, without worry. Our promise has been broken. At 7 am on April 26th we found Sunny had been violently attacked. The wounds were fresh - only a couple of hours old. He had been cut, not with a knife, but with something like a whip - something that didn't penetrate the skin too very deep but did do a good job of slicing it. He has what appear to be cigarette burns. He also had a large scrape on his shoulder area that looked like he'd rubbed himself very hard against the fence - perhaps while trying to get away? A police report was filed. The vet was called. There were only a couple of cuts that could have used stitches but because of their location the vet felt it best to not stitch them. Here is a link to the story on the local news that aired tonight, April 27th: http://www.wcjb.com/. We were "Live at 5" on Fox News (Orlando) on April 28th. Here is the link to the Fox News article on April 29th: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,353120,00.html. Since, the Humane Society of the United States has issued a Press Release and a $2500 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction to whoever did this to Sunny. Doc, the horse that was saved with Sunny, is very reserved about approaching people. But where ever Sunny goes you can bet Doc isn't far behind. We found one "slice" on Doc's side - whoever did this likely couldn't catch him. But he did have hives - likely from the stress of watching his friend being attacked. These pictures were taken at least a day after the attack. When the wounds were fresh they were very narrow - like slices. As time went by they got much wider.

This morning we said prayers before going out to do the morning chores - we didn't know what we'd find. While there had been no attack through the night, Sunny's injuries looked even worse. There was lots more swelling in areas all over his body and he is very sore in many areas. He had sustained more of a beating then we had realized. Sunny's injuries are very similar to the ones that Classy (a pony mare) sustained, just a few months before. Are the two attacks related? We don't know - but we want to find out. It is a horrible and sickening feeling when something like this happens. This is supposed to be a safe haven for the horses. We have had 2 vets assess the wounds and they both have stated the wounds were not caused by another animal. The wounds are consistent with being hit with something such as a whip. We installed security lights after Classy's attack in the area where it happened. Apparently they aren't enough to deter something like this - we believe that Sonny's attack happened in the same general area. We had plans to put up electric top wire around the perimeter of the property and did finish up some of it only about 3 weeks ago - but it is on the opposite side of the property. We didn't finish it due to lack of funds. I'm not even sure electric wire would be enough. Security cameras are an option but they are costly. If anyone knows of a company that may be willing to donate a system please let us know ASAP. We also got a "guard" dog after Classy's attack but he was a real sweetie and wouldn't hurt a fly! We need a dog with a natural instinct to protect our herd and property - like a Great Pyrenees. We need a dog we don't have to train - one that knows its job and does it well. If anyone has any suggestions on how we could make this place more secure we'd welcome them. We have changed our routine at the farm and there will be someone on duty at the barn from dusk to dawn. 04/29/08: Thank all of you that have sent emails or called expressing concern and wishing Sunny a speedy recovery. 05/22/08: Sunny's wounds have pretty much healed. The worst one - the one right down the middle of his back is the only one that is still healing. It is one of the ones that needed stitches but because of its location the vet chose not to stitch it because it would like rip apart. There have been no new leads on the case but we aren't giving up hope that whoever did this to Sunny will be caught and brought to justice.


Here are Sunny and his best friend, Doc, the day after arriving at Beauty's Haven. This was the day before Easter. They both seemed to be relieved to be in a safe place where there is love, good food, and safety. We feel horrible about what has happened.
Sunny and Doc about 2 weeks ago being groomed (and spoiled) by volunteers.
Our sincere thanks to J. L. Williams Company. They have made it possible for the entire perimeter of our rescue to be secured with electric rope to help deter others from coming onto the property.