Conn. to auction rehabilitated horses

STORRS, Conn. (WTNH/AP) -- Ten horses that were rescued from situations involving cruelty and neglect will be sold at a weekend auction.

Ten horses are for sale and three are up for adoption at UConn's annual spring horse auction this weekend. The horses were rescued form neglectful and abusive situations.

Dusty came from a farm in Easton where he was left standing in a muddy pen with no way to get out of the elements even in winter.

"Dusty's coat was a mess. She had a fungal infection on her coat. Her feet were a mess from standing in the mud. She needed dental work," said Ray Connors from the Department of Agriculture.

But now he's no worse of the wear.

The horses like Chica, who was emaciated when she was rescued, have all been rehabilitated at the state's Second Chance Large Animal Rehabilitation Facility at York Correctional in Niantic. Now they're ready for a new home.

"They don't need to be staying with us at our barn. We'd like to see them live their lives again," said Connors.

State agriculture officials say the horses are rehabilitated back to good health. The horses have current vaccinations and health certificates. Each has a microchip for identification.

A minimum bid set by the Agriculture Department will be $200.

The auction is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at the University of Connecticut Horse Arena in Storrs. The sale preview will begin at 11 a.m. Read more about the auction here.