Wandering horse gets help in Millstone Twp.

This equine, which was found wandering around Manalapan, is now recuperating at Chestnut Ridge Equestrian Center in Millstone, thanks to the help of area volunteers. MILLSTONE — He's been dubbed Mc- Cain, because he's an old veteran who showed up around Veterans Day.

McCain is an elderly equine found wandering around Dey Grove Road in Manalapan, now recuperating at Helping Hearts Equine Rescue at Chestnut Ridge Equestrian Center, Millstone.

Millstone resident Sharon Gaboff is the animal control officer for neighboring ManalapanTownship. On Nov. 13, she received a call at 8:30 a.m. about a loose horse on Dey Grove Road. Gaboff said two local residents caught the horse, which had no halter on, and put him in a paddock.

"I was shocked at the condition of the horse," she said.

Gaboff made inquiries about the horse at local farms, but no one knew the equine or made any reports of missing horses. Because of his poor condition, Gaboff does not think the horse could have wandered very far, and speculated that he may have been dumped in the area.

Gaboff contacted Lisa Post, the founder of Helping Hearts Equine Rescue, who agreed to come to the old fellow's aid. The women waited in the pouring rain for a veterinarian to check the animal. Dr. Mike Ostner, of Dey Associates, Upper Freehold, examined the horse and said that he is between 20 and 30 years old.

Despite the horse's outward appearance, his heart and respiration were within normal parameters, although lung sounds were indicative of pneumonia, according to Post. Ostner told her that if the horse has an underlying problem to account for his condition, it could be lymphosarcoma.

Post said it was reprehensible for someone to treat an animal like this.

"He deserves better. He gave his life to serve humans in work and recreation and this is the thanks he gets — to let him starve," she said.

Post said McCain has open sores over some of the protruding bones on his left side, indicative of having been down for a period of time. He was covered in feces on that side, so he was lying in his own manure, she said.

"Even if I'm wrong about the starvation and he's in this state due to an underlying disease or condition, you don't let the animal suffer. That's pure cruelty," Post said.

Post and volunteers spent the night drying and warming up the equine. McCain now seems perky and wants to eat everything put in front of him, she said.

Gaboff said the horse is subject to the seven-day holding period required by statute for a stray animal. The New Jersey Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is also investigating the case. If anyone has information about the identity of the horse, contact Gaboff at 732-489-1717. Donations for the rescue may be sent to Helping Hearts Equine Rescue, 260 Millstone Road, Perrineville, NJ 08535 or by calling 732-786-9015.