What shame this owner has brought on himself. Suffering by starvation is excrutiating and euthanasia would have ended that peacefully. The owner failed on both counts.
Rest in peace, dear Tonka. May the other horses know kindness and care.
I hope this is fully prosecuted and that this never happens again.

It appears that Mr. Todd Williams and his so-called caregivers are much worse animals than the animals they had/have in their care. These "people" need to have the highest charges possible (pitiful as the laws are) levied against them for their crimes. There is NO excuse for this brutality and for the suffering these horses have endured at "human" hands. The punishment for this unfortunately will never fit the crime, but punishment is in order ... nonetheless. And WHERE was animal control in all of this? Burying their heads in the sand? They knew about these starving horses TWO WEEKS prior to the time they were removed. TWO WEEKS might have saved the baby's life. Pitiful.

The owner of these poor animals should be punished to the full extent of the law. there is no valid reason why he starved them to death. If he could not afford to keep them in a healthy setting, then he could have contacted someone for help. There is no excuse for the torture that Tonka suffered.
May God have mercy on this persons soul.

I will pray for Tonka and the other horses, not this person.

My condolences go out to those that so desperately tried to save baby Tonka. There were a lot of people out there pulling for this baby to make it. My heart aches for those close to this baby and who worked so hard for his survival. God's Speed Tonka!
lj

This is horror, brutality, disgusting. There is no reason for this. No reason at all. You knew you were starving the animals. Yet you did nothing. You are a poor excuse for a human being and deserve to suffer 100 times worse than these horses did. How could you stand by and watch these two mares and a tiny baby colt starve to death? You are a murderer. You purposefully bred the mare to kill her baby? You left them with nothing to eat but tree bark. You are useless, worthless. Let's tie you up to a post and leave you there to rot away. That would be better treatment than you deserve. Rot in hell you pitiful bastard. The earth will not miss your callous contribution to society.

There are no words to describe what I think of the owners that starved these horses and surely they will answer to their God - may he not be merciful. I agree that he should be charge to the full extent of the law and that laws need to be changed to fit the crime - a simple slap on the wrist and a measily fine is not enough - he should have to pay the medical bills that were spent to try to save Baby Tonk and that are being spent to help the other two mares rescued. I too would like Animal Control to answer why they did nothing two weeks earlier when they were first informed of this situation. They need to pay for their negligence also.

The foal,Tonka, was a colt and he was 300 pounds less than he should have weighed! His Mom had no milk for him, when he tried to nurse, because she was starved too. Florida does have statutes, #828.12, against intentionally commiting an act which results in the death of an animal. We need to encourage the prosecutors to strictly uphold our laws to send the message that animal abuse is not tolerated in our good state of Florida.

There are so many people who watched these horses starve, charges should be put on the barn owners as well has the horse owner..Animal control seen these horses 2 weeks prior .The horses condition could not have been good then, why was something not done then? If the animal control investigators don't know enough about horses to know they were in danger being left there, maybe the need more trainning...I cannot believe that in the horse capital of the world we do not have a facility to take horses in need but we do have shelter for dogs, cats, ect...

I am beyond sickened at the utter senselessness of this all. The death of a young foal who didn't even have a fighting chance because his mother was nothing but a sack of bones. I'm sickened that the owner of these three horses could and WOULD allow this to happen. I'm sickened at the inaction of the animal control officers who SIXTEEN days prior found these animals in horrendous shape and yet did NOTHING!!!! I'm sickened by the fact that the laws to protect horses not only in Florida but across this nation are MISDEMEANORS for the most part and the perpetrators of crimes against these animals get off with mere slaps on the wrist.

THE LAWS MUST CHANGE. Officers sworn to uphold the laws and see to the welfare of the animals MUST DO THEIR JOBS.

In addtion to the owner, stable, etc, I urge that the animal- control person be held accountable for in-action. This little one might have had a chance!. Just think,folks------FLORIDA--------and Polo Ponies---at least they got immediate attention!

I saw pics of Tonka, his mother and the other horse and it is just unimaginable that anyone could let horses or any animal get in the condition these three are in. Now little Tonka couldn't even make it. Shame on this Todd person. He should never be allowed to own any animal ever again. I hope the law comes down hard on him for the neglect and cruelty this man has created on these three horses and God knows how many others. We need stiffer penalties for monster like this Todd person.

Per previous posting, WHY did animal control NOT do something about a VERY obvious situation TWO WEEKS' ago regarding the three horses owned by Todd Williams. SOMEONE NEEDS TO FIND TODD WILLIAMS AND BRING THIS PERSON TO ACCOUNTABILITY ALONG WITH THE OFFICERS WHO LOOKED THE OTHER WAY AND ANY OTHER PERSON OR PERSONS who were supposed to care for these animals.

Is Todd Williams involved in the racing industry? If so, the Jockey Club needs to be alerted to the torture he has put his horses through, He is the registered owner of these horses, so that makes him responsible. Allowing any horse to starve is an abomination but, to allow an innocent foal to starve takes it to an even higher level. This man, and anyone else who is invollved, should be punished to the fullet extent of the law. People from all over North America are now watching this case to see how law enforcement agencies handle heinous crimes like this. I've seen pictures of these horses and they are walking skeletons. Little Tonka suffered his enitre life....the Vet said he was 300 lbs. under what his weight should be. Sickening!

I'd like to know why animal control did not remove these poor animals weeks ago. These horses did not get like this overnight andI understand that there was another starving mare that died on the property after giving birth to a stillborn baby. The real villain in this situation is the owner, but why are tax payers funding an Animal Control agency that is not doing the job? There needs to be some serious retraining of personal or employment terminations. This is NOT good publicity for the Ocala area which is supposed to be Florida's beautiful horse country.

Also, I would be VERY interested in knowing how many meals did Williams - AND any animal control officers and those others directly involved with the care (care is shelter, feed and water) of these three horses - ever miss. Starvation and dehydration are TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AND INEXCUSABLE - THIS IS NEGLECT AND ABUSE. These horses DID NOT deserve the total lack of care shown by Williams.

For these horses, they suffered. Where was the owner? What was Animal Control doing two weeks ago when they allegedly visited the site? Why didn't they seize the horses then?

I want answers. I want this to go to court and I want answers.

I am a healer and it is taking everything I have not feel cold rage at this situation. Little Tonka suffered, Layla and Sienna are hopefully starting to end their suffering and thank heavens they are at Beauty's Haven. The people at that rescue are angels on this earth. No animal should ever have to go through this. Never.

I pray earthly justice is done. I pray Mr. Williams answers for his actions - or non-actions if you prefer.

All Love
Padme A'Tea (Lyn Gilbert)
www.asimplehealer.webs.com

This is beyond words. For any human being to brutally and callously destroy God's creatures, let alone a baby, is more than a misdemeanor. What is wrong with our society! I hope that this station will stand firm on the difference between good and evil and follow-up with this story. Keeping it in the news will do so much for awareness to help and protect our companion animals who have NO-ONE but we humans to speak up for their quality of life. We are responsible for the world we live in and how much evil we allow to go unchecked.

I would be VERY interested in knowing how many meals Williams - and any animal control officers and those persons who were supposed to care for these two horses and the foal - ever missed. Care is shelter, feed and water; and these horses were deprived of all of that care. This is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AND INEXCUSABLE. Someone (anybody) needs to find Williams and MAKE HIM ACCOUNTABLE for this NEGLECT AND ABUSE that has been given to these horses.

What an awful death for a 4 month old baby starvation. His mom Layla and the other 3 year old mare are a rack of bones. The people responsible need to be punished to the fulliest extent. Why didn't animal Control step in 16 days ago the comment was made "the horese weren't that skinny" Heollo those horses didn't just get skinny in 16 days. The animals have NO VOICE it's up to us humans to speak up for them and STOP THE ABUSE AND NEGLECT of God's creatures.

Tonka an innocent 4 month old colt died from starvation what an AWFUL DEATH for one so young. Layla him mom & Sienna they two are suffering from starvation. The people that are responsible shuld be punished to the fulliest extent. These poor creatures have no voice it's up to us humans to speak up for them and STOP THE ABUSE & NEGLECT. How many meals did Todd Williams & Animal Control miss. Animal Control was out there sixteen days ago these horses didn't get like this in 16 days. I pray that Layla & Sienna survie.

The 2008 Florida Statutes - Chapter 828 - (2) A person who intentionally commits an act to any animal which results in the cruel death, or excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering, or causes the same to be done, is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.

Tonka was intentionally deprived of food for months, which resulted in his suffering and ultimate death . . . felony. I too pray justice will prevail.

The authorities need to file charges against those responsible for killing Tonka and nearly killing the other 2 horses. Laws in Florida need to change making it a felony to abuse a horse or any other animal for that matter.

How sad that people can do this to these helpless creatures. Sadder yet is that I think the rescuers even had to pay good old Todd Williams for these animals before he would allow them to be saved. What a money grubbing scum bag is he and the rest of his ilk. Too bad the laws aren't more severe for crimes such as these. These crimes to theses registered TB horses should be considered felonies. I can only hope Karma catches up with Todd Williams and all who had a hand in these animals being starved. Rest easy in Heaven Tonka, you will not be forgotten.

I cannot understand how this happened. How could anyone allow a 4 month old colt, his mother and another mare to live without food? Without water? Layla was so bad, she wasn't producing any milk for Tonka. To add insult to injury when Theresa contacted Todd Williams about taking the horses, he asked for MONEY! This insanity needs to stop. Thankfully Tonka will no longer feel pain. Hopefully, Layla and Sienna will make it. Most of all, Todd Williams needs to be prosecuted and Animal Control needs do their job and stop this from happening in the future!

I was with Theresa when we rescued these horses. Tonka was so frail on Friday he could hardly follow his momma towards the trailer that would bring him the only opportunity to life. People stood and watched for weeks as their condition worsened and yet NO ONE cared to do a thing about it. Those who had them nor animal control cared to ensure their stability and wellbeing....SHAME ON THEM! They should be starved themselves, so they can feel how their body eats itself up.

Tonka lost his battle with life. His consumed body could not hold on any longer. Since the day he was born all he knew was neglect and starvation...complete abandonment. A baby who only knew proper care and nutrition for his very last 4 days.

I hope that the proper authorities will rise and make his life matter by pressing charges and making them stick..so that never again will another "Tonka" face the same injustices knowing that there is always help a phone call away.

RIP Terry Tonka you mattered to us....will love you always.

I am disgusted that a person could allow their animals to starve to death and then only be facing a misdemeanor. The laws against animal cruelty need to be strengthened in every state. It is heartbreaking that this baby had to lose his life when animal control was there just 2 weeks earlier. I pray that the two mares will be able to recover and know that they will finally find the love they deserve with Theresa Batchelor.

I applaud Theresa at Beauty's Haven for standing up and doing what is right. These horse have no voice,we are their voice. As a community we should be outraged!!! Where was animal control? Why didn't they step up to the plate. People need to look around them and report theses things and be persistant if you don't get results. I cannot believe BHFER had to PAY to get theses horses.....it is just sick and disgusting. My condolences to ALL who care. I am proud of all those who have contributed to their care. I have visited BHFER and they only have the best interests of the horses.

States need to hold reassess the authority needs of Animal Control personnel. States also need to ensure that those people in the Animal Control office are fulfilling their number one priority, protecting animals. States cannot allow Animal Control personnel to be complacent and ineffectual. Animal Control people with this attitude need to be replaced with people who understand their number one priority, protect the animals.

Cruel, inhumane and heartless people must never be allowed to own animals or animal boarding facilities. The names and addresses of people that are convicted of animal abuse, neglect etc should be on a public web site like the sexual predators. In this way, animal control personnel in the states these people live in can make sure they never own animals again.

This is a deplorable and despicable act. Williams needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Hopefully, the Florida Statutes indicated above will apply to him!

This poor sweet baby colt never had a chance. How could these so called human beings let this happen? To let this colt,his mother and other mare starve. It is a travesty. They should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The only compassion this colt new was his last 4 days of life. Thanks to Theresa and all at Beauty's Haven. This should have never happened.
Tonka run free, and may the humans that did this to you be punished. You will live on in our hearts.

Shame, shame on these cruel people! I hope the felony charges can be brought -- I hope baby Tonka's lasting legacy can be better enforcement of animal care statutes.

And to think it happened in Ocala, one of the equine centers of our country, where one would expect the animal officers to be well informed about a horse's condition! -- shame on them, too, for leaving private individuals to PURCHASE the starving horses they should have seized weeks ago, when baby Tonka might have survived.

Blessings on Beauty's Haven, who is trying to right the terrible wrongs done by other humans to these innocent creatures. If anyone would like to help support the fight to save Tonka's mom and the other filly, you can donate (they are a registered 501c3 charity so it is tax-deductible) at their Web site, which is at http://www.beautysequinerescue.org/ -- more pictures there of the horses as well.

I am outraged that this crime against these horses even happened. All those who had anything to do with this crime should be punished severly. Laws need to be changed to make this a felony. I can't even think of bad enough things to call them. May they burn in the fires of hell.

I hope that the owner of these mistreated horses is convicted of his crimes. No animal deserves what these horses have gone through. There is no excuse! Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon occurence. Until horse breeders take responsibilty for the animals they breed, throughout their lives, this will continue. And there will be many more Tonkas that die cruel deaths.

I have had the sad experience to be following closely the condition of many horses rescued by Beauty's Haven, and it is simply monstrous that people are able to openly cause such suffering and ultimate death of helpless animals. I work with canine rescue in Colorado where we have our share of abuse too, but this is simply reprehensible in a state that is known for champion horse stock. Does no one in these "fine" farms know about this abuse? Do they turn their backs? It cannot go on...if we, the general populace, must march on the offending farms to shut them down, tell me where and when. How many more are out there dying as we object??? And those monsters won't get a dime out of me -- they deserve only punishment. I understand why Teresa had to shell out $ to save these three precious critters, but it is nothing more than blood money and I pray God punishes this dreadful Todd person. Not a human... a despicable monster.

After several years involved in horse rescue, I wish for the local - and abysmally neglectful Ocala authorities - to understand that I have NEVER seen any mare or foal in this condition. SHAME ON YOU! This mare was, without doubt, bred when she was far from good health. How the hell could she be expected to produce a healthy foal or to have milk? I am VERY far beyond disgusted. Unless all horses are removed from the abusive Tom Williams - who the rescue PAID for the horses - and unless this king hell jerk goes to prison for a very long time - JUSTICE WILL NOT HAVE BEEN SERVED. This is far beyond cruel and unusual. This is a horror story and the suffering of the horses will only be fully known to the horses. That this happened in Ocala is unbelievable. Fire the authorities who allowed this to go on for two full weeks after the situation was known.
Idiots!

As long as people like this are not taken seriously and not seriously prosecuted with serious consequences, starvation of horses like this will continue. An example needs to be set, laws need to be upheld, so that people will think twice, and fear jail time, before allowing their animals to get in this condition.

And Animal Control....... what a waste of taxpayer money. They could've easily taken possession and contracted with the rescue to care for them after arresting the owners. How hard is that to do? Animal Control needs an complete overhaul and a good education - and a little common sense wouldn't hurt either. Animal Control needs to watch the Animal Planet 'animal cop' shows to see how law enforcement works.

Will there also be a memorial service with a crowd of crying people like there was for the polo ponies who suffered a short time?

People we need to get the law changed. This has to stop. The only way we can be effective is to find a way to make the law work for the horses instead of the other way around. Let these abusive horse owners know that if you starve a horse there will be serious consequences and not a slap on the wrist. I hope this can be done for Tonka. Tonka can be our Barbaro - we FOB's have saved thousands of horses and helped put an end to horse slaughterhouses in the US, surely we can do something to change the law in Florida. Once we put our mind to it we can do it. I am from the New York area and they have strict laws and if convicted you face jail time and a stiff fine for abusing horses.

Marie

This crime should be a felony and the judge should sentence with high regard given to the suffering these horses endured!

TODD WILLIAMS..........TODD WILLIAMS........TODD WILLIAMS

What a man! Well, Mr. Williams, I hope you realize now that there are THOUSANDS of us who know what kind of a man you are (not). Rest assured that these thousands of people who respect animals will be supporting people of character like those at Beauty's Haven and working with all we have to see that YOU are prosecuted and punished to the maximum extent of the law.

ANIMAL CONTROL.......You are complicit in the death of this baby! You KNEW about this for weeks and did nothing. 16 additional days of suffering while this baby tried in vain to get nourishment from his dry dam. SHAME on you.

The persons responsibile for the starvation of these mares and the death of the colt should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Until abusers are fully punished, they will continue their abuse.

Too bad that an agency does not exist to prevent things from getting to the point where the innocent have to die. Poor Tonka, we watched him struggle VIA the net since friday. It was an emotional roller coaster. I pray that his poor mom is able to survive this too.

BHFR did all they could but it was just too late, he needed help days ago. A week, maye 2 weeks would have made all the difference in his world.

The persons responsibile for the starvation of these mares and the death of the colt should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. A slap on the wrist is not enough.

The persons responsible for the starvation of these mares and the death of the colt should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. A slap on the wrist is not enough. Abusers will never stop until they are severely punished.

This is just another example of Marion County's refusal to get involved in cruelty/starvation cases. We have a similiar case within a mile of my farm in Romeo, animal control received numerous calls from concerned citizens and neighbors about the starving horses. Unfortunately a yearling colt died and it's body was left in the field within view of the street to rot! No charges were filed. According to the animal cruelty officer the body condition score wasn't low enough to seize the animals, disregarding the lack of hay and running water because the owner couldn't pay his electric bill!

What will it take to get our officals to take action? Shame on Marion County officials! They have let it happen AGAIN.

This is more than disgusting, when the very people who are sent to protect these animals 16 days ago saw them in that deplorable condition did nothing.
What is this A VILLAGE OF IDIOTS ?
Those poor horses looked like they had been in a camp in Nazi Germany and animal control didn't remove them earlier from this SUB HUMAN owner.TODD WILLIAMS
Someone ,some politicians better get on the ball and take care of this because we vote.
This is beyond unacceptable and there has to be an investigation ASAP.
NO MORE will this kind of inaction be tolerated.
This little foal did not starve to death in vain

Theresa , who owns and runs Beauty's Haven Equine Rescue is a compassionate and caring person who was forced to PAY ransom to release three starving horses from TODD WILLIAMS.
The mares were indeed walking skeletons and the foal,sweet little Tonka, was barely alive when they finally arrived at Beauty's Haven.
THERE IS NO EXCUSE for people like TODD WILLIAMS, THERE IS NO EXCUSE for the Marion County animal control. Even someone who are not familiar with horses could look at those tortured horses and see that they were starving slowly to death.
JUSTICE FOR TERRY TONKA,LAYLA AND SIENNA!!!!!
MARION COUNTY, CLEAN UP YOUR ACT. This was a sin and must be punished.

What has happened to these horses is inhumane. No horse should look or be treated this way. These horses were starved plain and simple. I would love to see justice be done for these horses. Tonka did not need to die. The owners need to be held accountable for this crime.

I was involved with a similar situation in a different county in Florida. That owner/"care giver" had over 20 Arabians on a few acres. His horses were seized by the County and given to another rescue for temporary placement. That man had his day in court. All his horses were taken away. He had to pay court costs. I believe he had to pay for some of the care that had been given his 20+ horses. However, his only punishment was that he was no longer permitted to own horsees.

Today, he has horses on that same property. However, those horses belong to his son!!!

Animal cruelty is simply a misdemeanor.

How could anyone not help precious Tonka. Did know one see or care that Tonka, Layla and Seinna were walking skeletons eating the bark of trees? Why would anyone have horse and not feed them? This is just unbelievable and hard for my mind to understand. Poor Tonka's momma Layla could not even produced milk because of starvation. How can a foal be so under weight? Thank God Theresa was able to get them out of the bad situation they lived in. Tonka new love in his final days because of Theresa and the volunteers at Beauty's Haven.

They need to prosecute Todd Williams and someone needs to look at Animal Control that was out 16 days ago and said the horses looked thinner. Why did they not pull these horses? Tonka probably would still be with us. Tonka needs justice!

I say the owner needs to be staved to death while his mother watches. This is a horrible case where he could have asked for help. This is why horse owners get a bad name - ignorant people like him. Take some classes, join a 4-H club as a volunteer - learn something so that you don't have this happen to your horses. And give a donation to Beauty's Haven who has spent thousands on Tonka and he didn't even make it. The other two will require much love and food too and they need your help.

Heartfelt thanks to Theresa Batchelor of Beauty's Haven and all her family of volunteers, and the veterinary staff who worked so hard to save this little colt. I dearly hope that the dam of this foal, Layla, and the other mare, Sienna, survive this ordeal, and have all the confidence in the world in the ability of Ms. Batchelor to provide them loving, healing care. Ms. Batchelor has taken in many horses who others have thought to be to ill to survive, yet they thrive in her care.

These horses, along with the 200 plus from Alliance NE, the thoroughbred breeding farm in NY, must prompt legislation to increase the severity of punishment to those who starve, neglect, and abuse animals. To call such injustice "misdemeanors" is injustice to the horses, and to those who fight so hard to heal them. There simply must be greater punishment, more fitting of the crimes that cause such abominal suffering and pain for these animals.

TODD WILLIAMS: Consider yourself duly warned and notified:YOU WILL BE PROSECUTED TO THE FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW. You WILL be punished for the HORRIFIC, INHUMANE ACT OF STARVATION perpetrated by you on Layla, Tonka, Sienna, Brook and Brook's stillborn foal.

ANIMAL CONTROL: You will be required to account for your [lack of] action contributing to/resulting in the neglect/starvation of the above-mentioned horses. Your lack of response is unconscionable and egregious, to say the least. If these starving horses didn't merit intervention, I don't know what would inspire you to ACT on behalf of the voiceless.

Tonka, you knew kindness, compassion and love ... if all too briefly. You deserved so much more than you received at the hands of the monster variously known as TODD WILLIAMS.

Layla and Sienna, you have our solemn oath we will do all within our power to see justice is carried out on behalf of Tonka, Brook and Brook's stillborn foal. They mattered. THEY DID NOT DIE IN VAIN.

Rest in Peace, Tonka, Brook and Brook's stillborn foal. God be with you now and forevermore.

TODD WILLIAMS: Consider yourself duly warned and notified:YOU WILL BE PROSECUTED TO THE FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW. You WILL be punished for the HORRIFIC, INHUMANE ACT OF STARVATION perpetrated by you on Layla, Tonka, Sienna, Brook and Brook's stillborn foal.

ANIMAL CONTROL: You will be required to account for your [lack of] action contributing to/resulting in the neglect/starvation of the above-mentioned horses. Your lack of response is unconscionable and egregious, to say the least. If these starving horses didn't merit intervention, I don't know what would inspire you to ACT on behalf of the voiceless.

Tonka, you knew kindness, compassion and love ... if all too briefly. You deserved so much more than you received at the hands of the monster variously known as TODD WILLIAMS.

Layla and Sienna, you have our solemn oath we will do all within our power to see justice is carried out on behalf of Tonka, Brook and Brook's stillborn foal. They mattered. THEY DID NOT DIE IN VAIN.

Rest in Peace, Tonka, Brook and Brook's stillborn foal. God be with you now and forevermore.

Certainly this is a prime example of extreme cruelty and injustice—man’s inhumanity toward these weak and helpless animals. No food? No water? Eating tree bark in efforts to stay alive? There is absolutely no doubt that the owner, Todd Williams, and the so called “caretakers” should be punished to the fullest extent of Florida law. In fact, would it not be most appropriate for the law/s to be made stronger as well as enforced properly? Should not the tools be provided for the authorities to take immediate action when situations such as this arise? Simply put, the horses did not have to die—there are people and organizations that care enough to provide assistance. Beauty’s Haven rescue is a sterling example of the types of resources available. Personally, I would think it timely and proper to make an example of Mr. Williams, et. al., and file the most stringent charges followed by the strongest punishment possible. You can be certain that many of us will not simply let this go. From the city, county, state D.A.s to the governor and mayors, to the supervisors and/or city councils—our voices will be heard. Enough of this—these animals have been assaulted and murdered. It is time for suitable action by the citizenry and public servants to stand up/step up and put a stop to this despicable behavior.

The death of Tonka is heartbreaking, and totally senseless.

Tonka and her mom Layla, deserved better as well as Sienna.
Again, the failure of A/C added to the loss of Tonka. The "glow" in their eyes
was gone, and poor Layla felt bad she could not feed little Tonka.

when a horse gets to this point, it should be permissible to just go remove them. Had Animal Control stepped in and had they ACTUALLY known about Equine, Tonka just may be alive today. 2 weeks is a long time to a little
life. I wonder what their feeble excuse is for this.

We must see that these owners are prosecuted to the fullest.
Also, we need more educated A/C officers by the looks of things.

RIP little Tonka.

Terribly sad to hear of little Tonka's passing. Poor darling didn't seem to stand a chance, suffering the pain of hunger for so long. His poor mother, emaciated herself appears in horrendous condition also. Sincere thanks to Theresa at Beautys Haven Rescue, her veterinarians and volunteers as these horses are in delicate conditions. As for the charges against the owner and caregivers, I hope that justice for all of these horses prevails. And if animal control was in fact, on the former owners property just two weeks ago and did nothing to intervene and remove these horses, then charges should be filed against the AC as well. The condition these horses are in did not happen within 2-3 weeks- how anyone, whether animal control, the owner, caregivers or passerbys could see the severe neglect and starvation of these horses and do nothing, take no action, is reprehensible and attributed to further cruel un-necessary suffering.

Please follow up on this story. These starved horses were registered Thoroughbreds, deliberately bred for the purpose of racing. This is a disgrace. It's also the tip of the iceberg. Please media, don't drop this.

Todd Williams and also animal control should be punished for allowing these horses to be treated like this. To have that poor foal suffer from starvation is just the cruelest thing ever. Why didnt Marion County animal control remove these horses before they got that bad.
Shame on you Marion County

This total lack of care for these precious horses is beyond my comprehension. Why did Animal Control fail to take timely action and follow up on this case? A full investigation must proceed immediately.
Sadly, it isn't the first and won't be the last time horses have suffered at the hands of heartless individuals. Theresa and others who provide these rescues need our support. We who GET IT need to DO IT !

THREE SENSELESS DEATHS!
I'm horrified at what happened in Ocala. That owner and the care-givers had better be fully prosecuted. How about starvation...bet they hadn't missed a meal!!! ANIMAL CONTROL??? They need NEW MANAGEMENT. There are people willing to "rescue" abused animals, so why didn't the Animal Control officers REMOVE these horses before it took THREE DEATHS to bring it to their attention???? What's wrong with these PEOPLE!

I can't believe little Tonka passed...so sweet...so innocent...and so unable to take any more....if only Animal Control had stepped in TWO WEEKS ago, he could have survived....I pray he is running and playing, as a colt should, in heaven's beautiful garden.

As I sat watching the adoration for Rachel Alexandra on my TV screen, at that moment on my laptop, I opened an email of these pitiful, suffering horses! Talk about seeing both sides of racing! Todd Williams bought this registered Thoroughbred mare, Dingolay, in foal from the Ocala Breeders' Sale in January. He ALSO bought another Thoroughbred mare in foal, Brook's Approval but that mare and her foal both died 16 days ago. There can be nothing but utter contempt for Todd Williams, the boarding farm, and the animal control officer who saw those dead horses and still refused to confiscate the remaining mare and foal. Animal control people are paid by Florida residents' tax dollars so residents of Florida, demand that heads roll!

I have emailed racing organizations and racing individuals whose emails I could find and sent the story and photos and I have asked them:
1. What racing entity or individual is going to help the forgotten horses of theirs? How much are they going to send to this rescue? Non-race people are sending $10 and $20 whatever they can afford. What are YOU sending this rescue if YOU have made your living from the racing industry?

2. Which TB organization is going to investigate this and make sure this owner is banned for life from registering or racing horses either individually or in a partnership?

3. Finally, who will donate more to the cost of rescuing RACING's horses -- the NON-race public or those involved in racing? As of this time, racing has not donated one dime to help these horses that suffered and died while they pocketed money from these mares during their life and then at the Ocala Breeders' Sale. Are they not even a bit ashamed that their racing owner demanded to be PAID for horses that were dying rather than donate them? That alone should get this 40 billion dollar racing industry to pay all expenses this rescue and ALL rescues endure when they take in racing's disposable Thoroughbreds.

Of course, these horses were not Rachel Alexandra but does that mean they care about their welfare less? Why are non-race people expected to bear the burden of this industry's horses? They should not. Let's see if racing can show they care about ALL of their horses or are they not up to this challenge? Racing, show rescues the money!

It is a sick world when ppl. don't take care of their animals, i hope those ppl. get their's and I hope they enjoy every meal from now on, and to chew their food very carefully may theychoke on every bite. Peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not only is Todd Smith the ultimate bad guy with what he did or allowed to be done to these horses, but he also DEMANDED THAT THERESA PAY FOR THESE HORSES!!!!!!! He would not let them go until she PAID HIM!!!!!!! That makes me sick.
The laws need to change with regard to animal cruelty/abuse/neglect, etc. A misdemeanor will only result in a pitence of a fine! Which will probably be paid for with the monies Theresa paid for these horses! That in itself is a crime....ROBBERY!!! These people should be ASHAMED of themselves.
AND as for Animal Control...Who do you think pays your salaries!!! Get with the program and do your jobs! Or lets get people in there that will, plenty of folks out of jobs these days!
I am outraged to say the least!

God speed little Tonka and a fast recovery for Layla and Sienna.

This abuse was a senseless, careless, cruel act that deserves punishment far greater than what will probably be handed out. As fan of Barbaro and supporter of BHFER, this story has ripped at my very soul. Tonka, Layla and Sienna Rachel never deserved to be treated so poorly at the hands of uncompassionate human beings. I am so grateful for Theresa and all her efforts to help these poor horses. They knew more love in the last 3 days than their entire lives. Isn't that sad? We should be appalled

However, I feel there are several layers of failure. The owner should be prosecuted as felon, he should never be able to own another animal, and he should have to pay back the money the rescue paid to get the horses. Second, animal control needs to answer the question why the horses weren't removed 16 days ago? I don't know if it would have made a difference in Tonka's fight but I have to believe he would have had a greater chance at survival. Instead we grieve his crossing over Rainbow Bridge!!!

The horse racing industry is also to blame. It is estimated nearly 40.000 thorougbreds are bred every year. What happens to all those horses that aren't deemed quality race horses? Not all the horses can be Classic winners nor should they be but what happens to them when someone deems them unraceable?

Rescues rely on private and individual donations but where is racing's contribution to the rescues who often are the ones taking care of these beautiful creatures? Why isn't racing asking how these situations are allowed to happen? What efforts are being made to help all the horses? I am sorry but they are not simply commodities to be bought and sold.

We need to make the horse racing industry stand up and take responsibility for the welfare of the horses. We need to say no more abuse and neglect. Horses deserve better and we need tp demand action from the industry, We owe it to Tonka and all the other Tonka's out there.

Everyone must write a letter to the State Attorney for Marion County. The State Attorney is the one that will make the decision to prosecute this case as a misdemeanor or a felony. Some Florida State Prosecutors have trouble interpreting the animal cruelty statute. Some, or most, believe it is hard to prove "intent" when a person withholds food or water that leads to death of an animal. How do you prove that they intended for the animal to die? Well, most of us know that if it was a human, say a child, they would have no problem proving intent.

Please send a letter my mail or fax to:

Bradley King, State Attorney
5th Judicial Circuit
19 N.W. Pine Avenue
Ocala, Florida 34475
Phone: 352-620-3800
Fax: 352-620-3365

We are starting a huge letter writing campaign - so you need to help us out and write too! Thanks!

Normally, I'm not like this but when you witness this type of abuse, I wish the law was an eye for an eye. I honestly that this Todd Williams would be starved to near death just so he would know how excruciating this is. He had options. An abandoned dog or cat has at least a small chance. A horse that is fenced in has no options but to stand there and starve to death. PLEASE people - when you're taking a drive and you see a malnourished horse, call the authorities. Don't let an animal suffer. There are rescues and organizations that will help. No animal should have to starve. It just takes a call.

It is not only Todd Williams that is responsible here. He put his horses at someone else's property. Those people also need to be held accountable. From such a terrible, tragic, painful experience many people are rallying together to put an end to this side of the breeding industry.

We must not forget what has happened here. We must continue working to change legistlation, enforce laws, and make certain that animal control follows up and acts immediately to help all animals in need.

As Mahatma Gandhi states: ' To my mind, I hold that the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man.' These precious horses were not protected from the cruelty of man. The plea to authorities went unheeded and now an innocent little foal has paid the ultimate price. Stronger legislation must be enacted to protect those who abuse animals for it is these very beings who most assuredly abuse innocent children as well.

The fact that this foal died is horrible but even worse than the scum that starved him and the others was the fact that the animal control did NOTHING when they saw these horses despite the death of another. Had they taken them then Tonka might be on the road to recovery. There is some serious lack of knowledge about horses (in HORSE COUNTRY no less) if ANYONE thought it was OK to leave these horses there 17 days ago. Time to clean house or send everyone to school to learn what a horse is supposed to look like.

Misdemeanor: wrong; incorrect; mistaken; erroneous; off beam; wide of the mark; in the wrong. Florida, Todd Williams wilfully committed murder, not a misdemeanor. Horses were starved to death while he watched their suffering. Williams demanded ransom for their precious lives when Beauty's Haven came to rescue them from their anguish. What kind of person demands money for horses that are nothing but walking skeletons? I demand justice from the state of Florida for the horses persecuted under the control of this despicable man.

The Animal control officer involved in this fiasco should be fired for incompetence, Mr Williams and anyone else responsible for this situation should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and placed under the jail.Racing needs to step up and take punitive measures against all responsible parties. How sad this is and how preventable.

This story like many other's changes my life. I don't understand how or why this is happening, and all to often. We need to be the voice of our horses. We need to stop what is going on. The full extent of the law??? Misdemor? How could this be? It is up to all of us to change those laws and we need to start today. Rest in peace dear Tonka we will continue the fight for you.

the prior owners should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of Florida law. How can any person(s) do be so uncaring to an animal. I feel for the horses which is more than I can say for the ihumans that neglect or starve an animal.

Don't know the Florida law, but it SHOULD be a felony to subject any animal to this or any other type of cruelty. And it SHOULD be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. As for the Animal Control officer who saw these horses over two weeks before they were rescued, HOW did he get his job and how soon will he be terminated???

I suspect the fact that this Animal Control is in the middle of the huge horse industry around Ocala is the reason they did not act. They are afraid to ruffle the feathers of the powerful people. They chose to let things like this happen to Tonka and the mares rather than incur the ire of the big tax payers in their county because of the political risk. They chose to defer to the likes of TODD WILLIAMS than do what is right. I fear for the other Tonkas, Laylas, and Reds whose plight never comes to light.

This Todd Williams creature is a disgusting, dispicable speciman of a so called man. He and ALL involved should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. M.C. Animal Control should also be prosecuted to the fullest because they are our officials paid to help animals. They knew about this weeks ago. Horses do not get this way overnight. They are as much at fault as Williams and his low life people. I live in Ocala and I am ashamed this could happen. I will not let it die. Tonka will not have died in vain. I will contact any and all that I can to take this to the fullest and make them suffer as this poor horses did. The gaul of Williams to make Theresa pay. He should have paid her for trying to save their lives. BHFR are Angels. Williams is a dispicable piece of trash that needs to feel the suffering twice over that these poor horses felt, with animal control right next to him.

Cruelty of this nature is incomprehensible.Our character should be judged by the way we treat the most helpless among us--our animals, our children and our elderly. My guess is that this owner would fail all three tests. Support Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine Rescue--they are the angels among us that care for such tortured animals and negate the horrors of their owners. They cannot do it without our support. I have supported them for over two years and will continue to do so as long as I am able.

Todd Williams should find himself in prison for 10 years or more. And how about a bread and water diet? That anyone could do this to innocent animals is utterly appalling! And the Animal Control people who couldn't seem to bring themselves to help these starving, desperate animals should also face prosecution and jail time. Public service wouldn't do these folks any good as they were supposed to be doing this for these horses and failed, miserably. We have to get stricter animal cruelty laws passed and ENFORCED. If you have an animal, you feed it. If you can't or won't, then you don't have animals. Bet Todd Williams made sure that he himself was fed. I am so tired of hearing about these stories. What in the world is wrong with people, that they can mistreat animals so? Thank God for people like Theresa and those at BHFER. If you are angry about this, consider sending BHFER a donation to help other horses. Call your legislators and tell them to support anti-cruelty laws. Get involved. If we all stepped in to help, animal abuse would be a thing of the past.

Too disgusting for words. Mr. Williams needs to be held accountable for his cruel and senseless treatment of these horses. And shame on the Animal Control Officers who saw these horses 16 days ago and chose to leave them there, they did not get that thin overnight, they should also be held responsible. God Bless Theresa and all involved who got these horses out of there and for all of their efforts to try and help poor little Tonka. He knew love and compassion for only a few short days, may be rest in peace and run free from pain and suffering. Layla and Sienna will be taken care of at BHFER, they will never again suffer the pain and hunger that they did at the hands of Mr. Williams. I hope that this case stays active until all of those involved pay for their horrendous deeds.

Florida should serve as a model state that every state emulates by: 1) passage of strict anti-cruelty laws that are enforced; 2) requiring stiff fees to obtain a license for breeding that is based upon the number of foals they bring into the world which can be assessed at the end of a calendar year; 3) use the fees to train motivated people who want to be effective Animal Control Officers; 4) fire the incompetent Animal Control Officers; 5) pass laws that give Animal Control Officers more flexibility to confiscate horses (it is stupid to allow horses to stay on property just because they meet minimum requirements like running water). If the horses are losing weight, give Animal Control Officers the authority to confiscate the horses. If owners complain that the horses can't gain weight, use the fees to pay reputable horse rescues to care for the confiscated horses. If the horses gain weight at the rescue, off to prosecution the owners go; 6) make the state statues CLEAR. It shouldn't matter whether there was intent to starve the horse to death. The point is that if owners can't afford to or don't want to feed their horses they have two choices: a) sell or give away their horses BEFORE they lose weight or b) call Animal Control and have the horses confiscated, give the horses to horse rescues and give the rescues money from the collected fees to provide lifetime care or care until the horse is adopted. 7) make animal abuse an automatic felony with jail time and ban any and all convicted felons from ever owning any animal again.

There is absolutely no excuse for any horse owner to starve their horses. If you can't afford to provide proper care, DON'T OWN THEM.

Everyone should know their own finances and figure out whether they can provide properly for their horses. Community banks could and should help prospective horse owners by requiring a "stress test." One possible stress test is if an income-generating family member loses a job, dies or there is a divorce. If families can't feed their horses properly such dire circumstances, they need to be told and the assessment from the bank is sent to the Animal Control Office.

For breeding farms, the obvious question is what would happen if they couldn't sell 1/2 of their foals? If the farm couldn't care for their horses properly under these dire circumstances, the bank sends the assessment to the Animal Control Office.

Animal Control Officers would create a list of those people whose horses would be in serious jeopardy should something happen ie the economy goes south. This would require Animal Control officers to make more frequent visits to those people to ensure that their animals were well cared for. If the horses are being properly cared for and/or losing weight, they are confiscated.

This isn't rocket science. Residents including conscientious vets have to make sure that their animals are taken care of through strict anti-cruelty laws. Residents need to contact their state legislators who represent the people not the lobbyists or special interest groups. People who run horse resuces can't do this alone. They need our help to ensure that something like this or similar to this never happens again.

I pray for justice and I also pray that all of the starving horses in this area and the world get justice. The "Horse Capital of the World?" I have had experience with Animal Control, if you call them, they do not respond to horse abuse and neglet. That needs to be changed.

As moderator for an online Native American Indian group for Women and a member of an online horse rescue group, I watched Tonka's battle and walked that road day by day as he fought for his life. I watched his mother console him. I lit online candles and said many prayers for him, along with everyone else. I read the messages of grief and sorrow after he died. As a writer, I cannot even find the words to describe this despicable behavior that is far above horrendous I wonder how these abusers sleep at night - meds no doubt, lots of them. Do you just not get it, or are you just stupid, Mr. or Ms. big shot animal abuser? Who exactly respects you for this outlandish behavior? - Well whoever it is, you all deserve each other. The majority of the planet, for your information, thinks you're a lunatic who really ought to be on the very first shuttle to Mars.

I commented yesterday

Animal cruelty laws must be enforced and they must be toughened. Justice must be done for these poor creatures.

"The world is a dangerous place not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." ~Albert Einstein

May little Tonka be whole again, frolicking free in knee-deep pastures, never to know the neglect and indifference of mankind again. My prayers continue for the other two horses, particularly Layla. How incredibly cruel to cause an animal to suffer the suffering and pain of starvation and then to lose her own precious son!

Todd Williams, Authorities, you will never receive just punishment here because the laws do not treat crimes against animals with the seriousness they deserve, but one day you will stand before YOUR CREATOR and you WILL ANSWER TO HIM FOR YOUR CRIME!

God created all life. It is not for us to decide what creature is or is not worthy of protection, compassion and kindness.

If you stood before me and I had the authority to sentence you, you would be treated just like you treated these horses.

You are not fit to draw breath and I pray you never, ever have any children. You are a despicable human being.

This man deserves to be punished to the fullest extent of the law, and if the law says that he only get a slap on the wrist for his horrendous treatment of these poor horses, then the laws need to be changed! This poor foal knew only neglect and abuse his whole short life until the end at Beauty's Haven. I am angry beyond words at this miserable excuse for a human being for what he did to these horses and who knows how many others.

I also commented on the Update story but is Animal Control understaffed or they just don't care???

As far as I am concerned these people should rot in prison for what they have done. It disgusts me that all they could get is a misdemeanor. I think an eye for an eye would be a more fitting punishment.

The cruelty of man knows no boundaries. These innocent mares and their babies were left to absolutely starve to death while their current owner never gave it a second thought. Horse ownership comes with responsibilities and if an owner cannot take care of an animal they at least owe it to the horses to seek help or find another home for them. The owner and farm manager need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible under the law and neither should be allowed to own a horse or have one on their property ever again. Also, two to three months without food and water locked in a cell would also be justifiable in this case so they can experience thirst and hunger and starvation like these horses experienced.

Williams, landowner, and every law enforcement person who did nothing when they first saw these animals should all be in big big trouble and going to court! Time to set a precedent and make an example for all animal abusers to witness. Tonka's death was unnecessary and inexcuseable. JUSTICE FOR TONKA. Jail with NO bread and water for all involved.

Mr. Todd is out on bail for being involved in a pit bull fighting ring (the owner of the horses). He would not donate these horses - he could only see dollar signs and inisisted on being paid money for saving his own pets. SHAME SHAME SHAME. And the "caretakers" could not even be bothered to make
sure the horses had any water - which is FREE- never mind actually giving them food! The laws need to be changed to protect animals from these idiots. Bring back public flogging too - I for one would love to personally
boot these people in a$$. BTW how many more pounds did the animal control officers have too see them lose before they took action - I cannot imagine that they looked all that good 16 days earlier. Now they have a dead baby on there hands to remind them of their efforts - OR LACK OF IN THIS CASE>

I too will be writing in and monitering this case closely.

April

Can someone post the name of the animal control organization that dropped the ball on this? I think we need to flood them with letters as well. I want ANSWERS! I want to know what THEIR excuse was for not helping these horses. IDIOTS! They should hang their heads in shame.

I find this kind of thing so absolutely unforgivable and distressing it makes me down right sick!!! When is this country gonna stand up and put these animals who abuse the meek critters of our planet behind bars for a very long time........to me murder is murder whether you have 2 legs or 4, and the inhumane death by slow starvation of an animal is to me a crime even Hitler would have cringed at!!!! this is comparable to nothing I can even imagine.......and these owners and keepers should be put away, as long as our 1st degree murder charges will allow!!! Plainly this is intentional murder and un-necessary suffer of the innocent. I have 4 horses and they are just as loved as my children in fact I refer to them at my 4 legged children. THis abuse MUST STOP!!!!!!!!!!! sTAND UP FOR A CHANGE AND BE A REAL PERSON PUT THEM AWAY!!!! sincerely a very concerned citizen.

Florida animal control has one of the worse records of enforcement of animal abuse laws. This is simply outrageous that the horses stayed in the conditions they were in after the first visit from animal control.
Not only should the owners and the caretakers (ha!) be charged with crimes, animal control should also have to answer for their poor law enforcement!!
Mr. Williams obviously has no respect for living creatures, noted by his involvement in dog fighting.

Animal Control Officers should be charged with neglect, prosecuted and starved for 16 days.
Todd Williams should have to spend just five minutes in a room with all of the Horse/Animal lovers that left a comment on this site. (JUSTICE WOULD BE SERVED!)
Tonka, may you feel all of the love and support being shown for you on earth, while you run in the lush green pastures of heaven.
Blessings and prayers for you, Layla and Sienna for your continued recovery.
Theresa Batchelor, Thank you, Thank you for all the love and support that you have shown for these horses and all of the others that you and your staff have rescued and will rescue in the future.

All human life is not precious. Todd is a primary example of this. He's a stupid, ignorant, feckless waste of good carbon and oxygen atoms worth less than any animal. Any remotely civilized society would see this a a prime opportunity to render a worthless piece of trash like him into something more useful - like dogfood. Personally, I'd feed him alive to a cage of hungry big cats or a cage of his own abused dogs. See how much of a big, strong macho man he feels then when he's at the mercy of animals who can easily fight back. Those poor horses deserve help and compassion. Their tormentor deserves nothing but our hatred, contempt and severe punishment.