On July 2nd, 2023, Berkeley County Animal Control took into custody more than 30 animals that had been left unattended in an open metal stock trailer in a parking lot on one of the hottest days of the year. After investigating the owner's property, Animal Control officers seized several more animals there, for a total of 46:

1 - Kangaroo
1 - Alpaca
4 - Chickens
8 - Ducks
2 - Rabbits 
7 - Pigs
17 - Goats
1 - Sheep
1 - Mule
2 - Mini horses
1 - Donkey
1 - Horse 

But it was a holiday weekend and the overcrowded Berkeley County Animal Center had issued a temporary moratorium on new intakes. There was nowhere animal control could take these animals.

Until they called us.

Although we specialize in caring for horses and donkeys, H.O.P.E. Acres Rescue could not stand by when these animals needed a safe place to stay. Our volunteers scrambled to set up temporary enclosures, make runs for food and supplies, and contact veterinarians.

As a small, volunteer-run organization, our days have been very full over the last 2 months with this many animals in our care. But we love what we do and are honored to have been able to help them. Know that your support has kept us going on these long days.

We have been overwhelmed with the community's ongoing generosity and thank everyone who has donated. You have been essential to caring for these animals. Your donations provided proper food, veterinary services, medicine, supplies, and new living spaces. Thank you for your continued support while we have waited for the court to decide their future.

At a hearing on September 13, all of the animals, except for the equines, were released back into custody of the owner.

H.O.P.E. Acres Rescue has NO affiliation to or with any petitions that may be circulating. Our logo and images are being used WITHOUT our permission. Our only focus has been and will always be the wellbeing of the animals in our care.