Acting on a tip, Vermont State Police found that animals at the Hoofbeats and Dreams horse rescue barns “were not being housed or cared for properly,” according to a police press release.
Debra Densmore, 55, who owns and runs Hoofbeats and Dreams horse rescue barns in Tunbridge, has been charged with cruelty to animals and violating standards for sheltering animals. She is scheduled to appear in court in Orange County on July 7.
State police press said they acted after receiving an email from the U.S. Humane Society, based on a complaint made by a volunteer at the rescue barn.
On Friday, 13 horses, one mini-mule, one llama and six dogs were removed from the 2-acre property with the help of multiple individuals and organizations, including the Dorset Equine Rescue, Hooved Animal Sanctuary, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, a local large animal veterinarian and other community members, police said. New homes will be sought for the animals, according to police.
— Lia Chien
