12 horses rescued, 2 killed in fire at unregistered stable in Southwest Philadelphia
Officials said they are working to determine any cruelty or neglect charges.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Twelve horses were rescued by the Pennsylvania SPCA Thursday after a stable fire killed two and injured another in Southwest Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Fire Department was called out to the 5800 block of Lindbergh Boulevard around 7:30 a.m.
When they arrived, they saw fire coming from a shed-type structure. The fire was put under control around 8 a.m.
It is unclear how the fire started.
ACCT Philly was then called out after the blaze and said they found two horses dead and one with burns.
"It's plywood and hay. It's like a fire's dream. It'll go up so easily," said Sarah Barnett, executive director of ACCT Philly. "It's a stable we were aware of. It's one we were talking to the city about how to address because it was on a redevelopment property, so a city-owned property.
The Pennsylvania SPCA's Animal Law Enforcement team said they rescued 12 horses after the stable fire over concerns for their welfare. Ponies, as well as a pig and goat, were also rescued from the property.
"The trauma these animals have endured is unimaginable, and their road to recovery will be long and difficult. They will need urgent medical care, shelter, and support, and we need your help to provide just that," the PSPCA said.
Three of the rescued horses have been taken to the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center for critical treatment. Three additional horses were transported to the Pennsylvania SPCA's Philadelphia headquarters.
Montgomery County SPCA in Perkiomenville and Last Chance Ranch in Quakertown are assisting with temporary housing and transport for the six remaining horses. The horses will eventually make their way to the PSPCA's Danville Center, according to rescuers.
PSPCA officials said they are working with Philadelphia's fire marshal and police department investigators to determine any cruelty or neglect charges.
A trailer on the property was advertised for the Scorpion Horse Ranch Program. Gordon Parks tells Action News he owns the ranch and believes the fire was intentionally set.
"I'm trying to figure out how something catches on fire when there's no electricity down there," he said.
Parks told Action News he knew the stables were not legally operating, however, he was trying to bring nature and animals to neighborhood kids.
"We was doing a program to try to help the kids find a different way of life," Parks noted.
ACCT Philly officers say the stable should have never been operating.
Gordon says he's submitted paperwork to get the city to donate the land to him. Action News reached out to the city but has not been able to confirm that.
"It's our understanding this has actually been there for about a year and the person was operating a business out of it," said Barnett. "You can't just go and take a property and call it yours because no one else is using it."
Anyone who may have ownership of the horses in question, or knows who may own the horses, is urged to contact the PSPCA's Animal Cruelty hotline at 866-601-7722 or cruelty@pspca.org.
The Pennsylvania SPCA said they are accepting donations toward the rescue and care of these 12 horses. You can make donations on their website.
