Montana ranchers rally to save starving, abandoned horses

The first shipment of donated hay made its way to a Yellowstone County ranch to help save hundreds of starving horses in what could be one of the largest animal abuse cases in Montana history. Hay — 100 tons — was donated by the Valley M Ranch in Red Lodge and hauled to the Home Place Ranch where investigators say horses were left without food, water or veterinary care by the ranch's former owner. Justin Mills, manager for the NILE Foundation, said offers to help the horses were pouring in from around the world. Some have offered to take and care for several of the animals. Others have volunteered to take feed and water troughs out to the land. NILE Rodeo managers and the Department of Livestock have also stepped forward and offered help. Mills said the donated hay should last the horses for a couple of weeks...more