(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — An animal rescue nonprofit in Woodstock is asking for donations after rescuing dozens of neglected ponies.
“It was just, it was really sad. It was really sad,” said Cynthia Glensgard, executive director of Hooved Animal Humane Society (HAHS).
Glensgard described the moment the rescue team at the HAHS arrived at a hoarding situation in Southern Illinois involving 59 ponies.
“The ponies, while they had been fed, but they hadn't received any handling or any type of veterinary care throughout, you know, their whole time on that property, or at least as far as we know.”
She said it took dozens of volunteers and staff members to round up and load the ponies.
When the rescue team received a call about 59 neglected ponies in Southern Illinois, Glensgard wasn't sure weren't sure they'd be able to pay for it.
"It was a very big leap of faith, and one where I didn't know how it was going to all work out."
The organization is asking for donations to help recover from the substantial financial burden.
“What allows us to be able to say ‘yes' in this situation is knowing that we have the financial support to do that, as well as the facility to do that.”
The organization is hosting a holiday fundraiser in December, all money raised will help the team care for the recently rescued ponies.
Glensgard said the ponies are on the "path to recovery."
"They have a new opportunity in life. It's pretty neat to be a part of that."
Donations to HAHS can be made on their website.
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