(Dallas County, Iowa) – Officials with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa have announced one of 46 horses rescued last month from squalid conditions on a rural Dallas County property north of Granger, has died. The ARL said in a social media post that the most emaciated horse, who they referred to as “Bluey,” suffered from long-term neglect and, despite nearly a week at an equine veterinary hospital getting round-the-clock care, was euthanized Friday to end his pain.

The farm’s owner, 78-year-old Linda Kay Kilbourne, of Johnston, has been charged with livestock neglect, a Simple Misdemeanor. She’s scheduled to make her initial appearance in Dallas County District Court on Nov. 29th.

Staff at the ARL say the horses endured unlivable conditions and didn’t receive the required care needed for weeks, some even years. “Bluey” suffered months of starvation because he was missing most of his teeth and could not eat. In the end,  he was simply too weak and his body gave out. “An emergency visit by equine veterinarians confirmed that he simply could not fight anymore,” the ARL reported.

Officials also report many of the horses from the farm case are pregnant, and will require long-term care. According to the ARL, “The vast majority of these horses are displaying genetic deformities of the legs and feet caused by poor breeding practices. Even horses as young as yearlings are beginning to show abnormalities. Most will never be rideable, and many may need special care throughout their lives.”