DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – A draft horse is still recovering after the Animal Rescue League of Iowa said someone called about a very thin horse pulling a carriage in downtown Des Moines. The Percheron Horse, named Bruce, was attached to a carriage on June 22 when officers with the ARL arrived and said they clearly saw he was malnourished. Officers reported being able to see every rib, and his hips and spine protruded from beneath his skin. The horse also had small sores and open wounds across his body.

A draft horse is still recovering after the Animal Rescue League of Iowa said someone called about a very thin horse pulling a carriage in downtown Des Moines.(Animal Rescue League of Iowa)

The temperatures on that day were around 90 degrees, and ARL officers said the horse was dripping in sweat and his nostrils were flaring. The horse’s owner, Ramsey Zimmerman, has been charged with livestock neglect. On July 12, a judge ruled against allowing the horse to be returned to Zimmerman.

The horse remains at the ARL’s Second Chance Ranch, where he continues to recover.