Man struggles to feed horses

SULLIVAN CO. Ind. (WTHI) - High hay prices are making times tough for one Shelburn, Indiana horse owner.

Jerry Butler Senior says he loves his horses and would do anything for them.

But recently Butler was charged with animal cruelty. One of his horses died and three others were seized the Indiana State Police.

"I do love my horses and I'll never see them again and I'll probably never be able to have horses again and it's all over the drought,” said Butler.

Butlers says times are tough, hay prices are high and the 2012 summer drought is to blame.

The price of hay doubled during the summer of 2012 and even tripled in some areas.

Butler says the hardest part was finding someone who would sell.

"The honest ones have been keeping the hay for the ones who have been buying from them for years and I'm a newcomer to the area,” said Butler.

Cindy Webster, Manager of the Humane Society of Sullivan County says she sees people struggling to feed their pets all the time.

"You know it's been a tough summer with the drought and then on top of that there’s limited hay and even the people that sell hay are kind of keeping their hay for their own cattle,” said Webster.

But Webster says eventually people have to ask for help.

"It is sad because I believe this gentleman truly loved his horses, he just wasn't as willing to accept help or admit he couldn't take care of them. So it is sad and I'm sure there are a lot of people out there struggling like that,” said Webster.

The seized horses have since been given to a horse rescue center in Vigo County.