• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
I Heart Horses
  • Care
  • News
  • Fun
  • Heartwarming
  • Videos
  • Rescue
  • Horse Fun
  • Tips For Riders
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Care
  • News
  • Fun
  • Heartwarming
  • Videos
  • Rescue
  • Horse Fun
  • Tips For Riders
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Care
    • News
    • Fun
    • Heartwarming
    • Videos
    • Rescue
    • Horse Fun
    • Tips For Riders
    • Fun Facts
    • Stories
    • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » News

    Owner Of Equine Therapy Facility Charged With Animal Cruelty

    Modified: Jul 12, 2019 by ihearthorses · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    The New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NJSPCA) made some shocking discoveries at a therapeutic riding facility called Horses 4 Hope in Pohatcong Township. The investigation took place in March after several complaints were made about the condition of the animals. Some horses showed signs of botulism and 13 out of 37 had body scores below the minimum 2.0 required for livestock under New Jersey humane law.

    Aiyanna Callaway, 33, is charged with 15 counts of animal cruelty based on the findings of the SPCA investigation and witness reports of neglect and mistreatment leading to serious bodily injury or death.

    State officials said they put the farm on quarantine after receiving information that Callaway would place shrink-wrapped hay in the field and leave it up to the horses to rip through the plastic with their teeth. Reports also state that the horses did not have adequate access to fresh water.

    Contaminated plastic is believed to be the source of the Botulinum toxin the horses were exposed to. Botulism in horses is known as forage poisoning and causes neurological symptoms such as trouble breathing, eating and swallowing, progressive weakness, and eventual death in both adult horses and foals.

    According to authorities, the animals were denied proper care by Callaway. After being seized from the property, 5 horses were euthanized due to advanced botulism poisoning.

    The Horses 4 Hope Facebook page has been changed to Horses 4 Hope Awareness, which appears to be run by concerned local equestrians looking to expose the truth and help ensure that no more horses are exploited or harmed.

    Warning: The page contains graphic images of severely emaciated and deceased horses.

    Callaway's hearing is set for July 13 at Pohatcong Municipal Court.

     

    H/T to Lehigh Valley Live

    Horse Courses by Elaine Heney

    • Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films
    • Shoulder In & Out Training for better balance, bend & topline development with your horse
    • Over 110+ Polework Exercises & Challenges to Download
    • Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films
     

    Featured Image via Facebook/Horses 4 Hope Awareness

    More News

    • 41 Genius Horse Care Hacks You've Never Thought Of
    • Director Ashley Avis Of Disney+'s New Black Beauty Film Talks With iHeartHorses
    • Understanding Horse Behavior
      Study Shows Horses Understand Our Intentions
    • Horse Blanket Benefits
      Do Blanketed Horses Eat Less? Study Says Yes

    Sharing is caring!

    11.3K shares
    • Share11.3K
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    Search

    Recent Posts

    • 10 Top YouTube Channels for Horse Lovers
    • 11 Horse Gadgets and Apps for Tech Lovers
    • 11 Surprising Christmas Ideas for Horse Lovers
    • 6 Of The Best Places to See Wild Horses in the US
    • 7 Top Podcasts for Horse Lovers (Trending Now)

    Categories

    Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

    iHeartHorses.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 · iHeartHorses Inc.

    11.3K shares
    • 11.3K

    Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy