Georgians have another opportunity
to rescue Pike County horses and donkeys

ATLANTA, GA (May 29, 2007) - Saturday, June 2nd, Georgians will have another opportunity to rescue horses and donkeys impounded by the Georgia Department of Agriculture from a Pike County farm in February. The animals will be sold at public auction beginning at Noon at the Mansfield facility.

   Prospective bidders will be able to view the 50 horses and donkeys offered for sale beginning at 10 a.m. the day of the sale.

   “A veterinarian has examined them and released them for sale. They are ready for new homes where they will be loved and cared for,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin.

   “These horses have been rehabilitated with the help of many volunteers who have given of their time and money to bring them along the road to recovery. Now they need to go home with loving families who will continue to care for them and give them personal attention,” said Irvin.

   The Department will have the right to monitor the animals for a year after they are sold. Irvin said none of the animals would go back to the owners of the property in Pike County.

   Money from the sale will go into an escrow account and will be held until the legal matters of the Pike County case are resolved.

   Photos and descriptions of the animals are on the Georgia Department of Agriculture website at www.agr.georgia.gov under featured items.

   The department’s equine facility is located at 2834 Marbin Farm Road, Mansfield, GA, east of Atlanta in Jasper County. For more information and directions, please contact the GDA Equine Health Office at 404-656-3713.