LAUREL, Del.- Six donkeys, eleven mini horses, eight goats, seven sheep, and one chicken.
"Oh my!" is what the volunteers said when they assisted the Delaware Department of Agriculture seizing animals from a farm in Felton.
Vice President of the Changing Fates Equine Rescue Board Meg Searcey says it was a challenge as they only had 17 horses on the property before this influx of animals.
"When we were approached with about 35 more animals and over doubling our capacity overnight, it was a little jaw-dropping," Searcey said. "But we did it and you know it takes a lot of work. We have a lot of volunteers."
The investigation into the Felton farm is ongoing. Volunteer Coordinator Donna Kirsh says many of the animals had matted manes and poor grooming. Some also needed hoof and dental care.
"It's been incredible to see their transition as well as our transition," Kirsch said. "Seeing them be friendly when you go in the pastures. They'll come up to you now where as before they were afraid. You can just call them."
The rescue is looking for donations to help with special needs for these animals. There are eleven male horses who need to be gelded. There are also two donkeys and three goats who are believed to be pregnant and will need to be tested in order to confirm that.
"We're facing a lot of costs at this point but the other way that you can help is volunteering," Searcey said. "We always need volunteers. We always need extra hands. If you're not comfortable with large animals or small animals, landscaping. We have a big property here."
There are more steps ahead for all of the animals to make sure they are healthy and comfortable before they can find another owner and their forever home.
If you would like to make a donation or volunteer at the rescue, visit https://www.changingfatesequine.org/.