Featured Image Credit: C.A.R.E.S.
Today, Charleston Carriage Association for Responsible Equine Safety (C.A.R.E.S.) announced its three member companies, Palmetto Carriage Works, Charleston Carriage Works, and Old South Carriage Company, will donate the $3,000 necessary to save the two malnourished horses in the care of Livestock and Equine Awareness and Rescue Network Horse Rescue (L.E.A.R.N.) in Meggett, South Carolina.
L.E.A.R.N. Horse Rescue cares for over 30 horses and has recently added two more to their population, Spirit and Bailey. These horses were found starving and in severe condition in Hampton County. In need of financial support, L.E.A.R.N. Horse Rescue sent out a request to the Charleston Animal Society, despite the several denials they have previously endured, in hopes of receiving funds to properly nourish the animals back to health.
After being denied once again, L.E.A.R.N. Horse Rescue was crushed. Morgan Hiott, a longtime member of L.E.A.R.N. said, “It’s understood that [Charleston Animal Society] has received a six-figure grant for rural animals…” In response, the member companies of Charleston C.A.R.E.S. stepped up, donating $3,000 to save Spirit and Bailey. “Our companies are made of people who love horses,” said Tommy Doyle president of Charleston C.A.R.E.S. “When we saw the devastating condition of Spirit and Bailey and then heard they were getting no local support, we knew we had to step up. It’s the right thing to do.”
This isn’t the first time these carriage companies stepped up in a big way to support the animals they care so much about. Back in August 2017, the same three carriage companies came together to help raise money to donate to abused and retired horses. $1 from every ticket sold on a Saturday was donated to local foundations. Palmetto Carriage Works, Charleston Carriage Work, and Old South Carriage Company raised a total of $2,000 dollars for this great cause.
On the contrary, there were around 55 protesters that came out to hold signs that went against the carriage company’s goals for the day. The people protesting were part of Charleston Carriage Horse Advocates, who disagree with carriage tours and believe these horses are provided inadequate working conditions.
Palmetto Carriage Works, Charleston Carriage Works, and Old South Carriage Company formed the group to promote and advocate for the highest standards of care for horses and mules in the Charleston area. With their main concern being the safety, health, and well-being of the horses and mules, they enforce strict standards of care that exceed the federal, state, and local protection laws.