Rescued animals looking for homes

Storrs, Conn (WTNH) - It took the state stepping in to rescue several animals from a North Haven farm. For months now they have been undergoing rehab, both physically and mentally, to get ready for auction and the promise of a new home.

Zeus and Ozzie are fan favorites at the UConn Horse Barn in Storrs. They, and fourteen other horses, along with a mule are all up for auction.

The horses and Francis the mule were rescued by the state.

Brandy, one of the horses, came from a North Haven farm, where several horses were found to be malnourished and lacking in proper veterinary care.

"The majority of the horses that we took from there were extremely emaciated," said Ray Connors from State Animal Control.

Since that day in December 2009, Brandy has gained hundreds of pounds. She, and all the other horses are now healthy and up for sale.

"There's horses here for first time riders. There's horses here for experienced riders. There's horses here for people who are just looking for a companion horse for their other horses," Connors said.

"He's right up my alley. Just short little fat guy. He's supposed to be good with children, and I have little kids," Keirsten Riccio said about Zeus the horse.

Riccio knows some little kids who would love to get Zeus on Easter morning. She was at UConn for an early look at what horses are available for adoption. A preview of the animals is set for 11:00am Saturday at the UConn Horse Barn. The auction begins at 1:00pm.

"If you have the room in your home and in your heart this is a great place. The animals have been well taken care of. They're all vet checked," Riccio said.

All the money raised goes right back into the state's program to rescue abused and neglected horses.