Miracle Man, aka M&M
On January 29, 2008 PER rescued a 5 month old colt from a horrible situation, in which he was hanging from the rafters of a dark, filthy barn by a makeshift "sling". The owner thought she was helping the colt by getting it off of an injured leg. She failed to get proper medical care, so the colt was left alone the majority of the day and all night, hoisted up by "come alongs" without access to food and water.
Investigators received an anonymous tip about the colt and advised the owner to contact a veterinarian immediately. She did, but the attending vet's hands were tied, since the owner advised her that she could not afford the radiographs needed to do a complete examination.
The owner voluntarily surrendered the colt to investigators and he was immediately taken to the vet where he was hospitalized. The attending vet said the colt wouldn't have lasted another day in the conditions he was living in. He was emaciated, dehydrated, anemic, lice and parasite infested and had several pressure sores from the makeshift "belly straps" that he was forced to stay in for several days. Also, his "privates" were so swollen from the pressure of the bands, he couldn't properly urinate.
The vet did radiographs on his leg and did not find anything broken or fractured. There was nothing to indicate that his joint was affected either. His lameness was caused by a severe case of cellulitis which came from his pressure wounds becoming infected and not being treated. His pressure wounds were caused by laying down so much, because of the cold temperatures and lack of nutrition.
The owner of the colt was arrested on 2-25-08. Iris Rose Fortner, of Cantonment, faces felony animal cruelty charges.
02/14/11 Update:
Miracle Man was adopted by Gary and Lynn White of Baker, FL. in October 2008. The Whites who relocated to Moultrie, GA. recently sent us these updated photos. Unfortunately, even after the White's had surgery done on his injured leg, sustained during his days of neglect, they were disappointed to find out that he will never be completely sound. But the White's have committed to keeping him as a companion horse for the rest of his life. God Bless them for taking in this very special colt and giving him a wonderful forever home!
