Six Horses Rescued in Animal Cruelty Case Recovering at Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport
Six horses seized from a Holmes County residence in an animal cruelty investigation are now on a long road to recovery at Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, with staff reporting visible improvement nearly a month after the rescue.
The team at Alaqua was called to assist in connection with the animal cruelty investigation on June 11, 2026, and responded the same day to take custody of the six horses from a Holmes County residence. The animals were transported to Alaqua’s 100-acre refuge complex on State Road 20 east of Freeport, where they received immediate veterinary evaluation and began a structured rehabilitation program. The refuge, founded in 2007 by Laurie Hood, has become the Southeast’s premier no-kill animal sanctuary — relocating from its original 10-acre plot to the current 100-acre donated property in 2022 to expand its capacity for exactly this kind of large-scale rescue operation.
Alaqua frequently serves as a regional intake partner for cruelty and neglect cases across the Florida Panhandle, accepting animals that local shelters cannot accommodate due to space or specialized care requirements. The refuge handles everything from dogs and cats to horses, farm animals, goats, and even pigs, giving seized animals a safe environment for recovery while legal proceedings work through the courts. Holmes County, located immediately north of Jackson County and roughly two hours from Freeport, does not have an equine-specific rescue facility, which is why Alaqua was called in to provide the specialized care these horses need.
According to a July 6 update from 30A Television, recent photos of the confiscated horses show their coats have visibly thickened and improved, and the animals are slowly gaining weight under the refuge’s care. The progress is notable given that seized animals in cruelty cases often arrive malnourished, with compromised immune systems and skin conditions from prolonged neglect. Full rehabilitation for horses in such cases can take months, requiring tailored nutrition plans, veterinary monitoring, and gradual reintroduction to regular activity.
Alaqua Animal Refuge is located on State Road 20 east of Freeport and operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The organization relies on donations and community support to fund rescue operations, medical care, and the long-term housing of animals awaiting adoption. Residents interested in supporting the horses’ recovery or learning more about Alaqua’s adoption and foster programs can visit the refuge’s website at alaqua.org or follow the Alaqua Animal Refuge Facebook page for ongoing updates on the animals’ progress.
Originally reported by MyPanhandle (WMBB) and 30A Television.
