HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- Two horses are dead and three others clinging to life after Humane Society agents said their owner abandoned them at his South Huntingdon Township home.

When officials with the Westmoreland County Humane Society found the three living horses, they were near death. Thanks to a devoted group of volunteers, Ruby, Pocco and Joey have a chance to survive.

Second Chance is the name of the association who found a farm in Hempfield where the trio could be nursed back to health.

Their owner fell ill and had to be hospitalized, leaving no one to care for the horses.

Neighbors called authorities when the realized the animals were in danger.

"This was actually the first seizure of horses for the Humane Society of Westmoreland County, and thanks to Second Chance Equine, it was possible," said Jan Dillon of the Humane Society.

Bryce Lejeune, who heads the association, said rain rot attacked all five horses. Two died after being exposed to bitter cold.

"When their hair is matted down, they can't keep their body heat," he said.

With no food or shelter, officials with the Humane Society said they didn't expect any of the horses to survive. Parasites attacked their bellies, stealing most of the nutrition from what they eat.

But Second Chance said they plan to pay for the horses' recovery, and then find them a happy home.

No charges are expected to filed against their owner, because he surrendered the horses willingly.

If you would like more information on Second Chance, you can call them 724-423-7175.

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