STEVENS COUNTY, Wash. - Two animal rescue groups worked in harsh weather conditions to save dozens of horses from starvation in Stevens County.

Will Mueller

Rescuer say the white horse was suffering from starvation and could not produce any milk to feed her newborn.

The horses were on a reservation near the town of Wellpinit. Their owner was a 75-year-old man who told rescuers it became too difficult for him to care for them.

On Saturday, people in the area worked to plow rural road leading to the property.

Rescuers with Shepherds Way Rescue and Fantasy Farm Thoroughbreds worked to catch the horses and load them in trailers.

Rescuers said the horses were not used to human touch. It took several tries to get some to get into the trailers.

Rescuers say a mother gave birth Saturday night, but the foal froze to death.

Rescuers found other horses to weak to walk.

Rescuers say the horses survived by eating snow, the bark of trees and even the wooden post to the fence that surrounds the 40-acre property.

The plan is to take the horses to Fantasy Farm, rehabilitate them and put them up for adoption.

Fantasy Farm already takes care of more than 30 horses, and its number doubled with the new batch.

Rescuers are asking for help covering the cost to take care of the horses. Donations can be made to: Shepherds Way Rescue. Call Carrie Aenk for more information: (509) 892-6707 or (509) 844-3499.