Miami Co. horse rescue under scrutiny

BETHEL TWP., Ohio (WDTN) - A horse rescue farm is under the watchful eye of Health Department and Humane Society officials in Miami County.

The Serenity Horse Rescue is located at 5725 State Route 201 in Bethel Township.

The Miami County Health District served a warrant at the farm Tuesday.  Investigators were working to determine if a building on the property was being improperly used for housing.  One building was condemned.

A Humane Society investigators went along to check on the status of 26 horses living on the property.

Neighbors say the horses are neglected and look too skinny.  One neighbor 2 NEWS spoke with said the farm is "more like a concentration camp than a rescue".

Humane Society officer Sharon Carnes says her department has received several complaints about the property since August 2012, but she has never removed an animal due to neglect.

The horses she observed Tuesday had adequate water and feed.  She also says the owner, Shula Woodworth, is cooperating with the investigation.

The Humane Society says it will continue to check up on the animals at the rescue.  No charges have been filed.