Emaciated horses dumped on ranch near Patterson

Two local horse rescue organizations have taken in nine animals dumped on a ranch near Patterson, and two of the horses are in extremely bad shape.

John Airrington of Oakdale's Zen Equine Rescue of Central California said he took possession of the two sickest horses Tuesday night and transported them to the Taylor Road Veterinary Clinic in Turlock, where they are getting care.

"They are just as bad and maybe even worse than Phoenix," Airrington said, referring to an emaciated one-time racehorse rescued from a west Modesto field in May and also treated at the Taylor Road clinic.

Phoenix survived and is recovering at a facility in Oroville. Seven other horses in somewhat better shape were taken to ReHorse Rescue in Jamestown.

Airrington said the Patterson rancher awoke Tuesday morning to find two dozen more animals in his pasture than he had the night before. A neighbor took a few of the animals, including some burros.

Zen Equine Rescue is asking for donations to help offset the veterinarian costs. Airrington can be reached at 992-7236.