THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. - It's always been a problem and now it appears it's growing - horses found starved and neglected.

One local volunteer group in Thurston County is helping police figure out what to look for, and how best to protect the vulnerable animals.

Rob is one of five horses rescued last month in Thurston County. He and the other rescued horses are doing better thanks to Hooved Animal Rescue, a non profit group of volunteers who save abused horses.

"They're like children; they don't have anybody. We're the ones that have to stand up for them," said Connie Peterson, a spokesperson.

Pictures they've collected over the years show starving and neglected horses and the numbers are going up. They are seeing more cases than ever before in Thurston County.

"I think we have had more cases this fall than we have had in the past," Peterson said. "I think there will be an increase."

Thurston County sheriff's deputies are usually the first ones called when a horse is in danger. Deputy Mike Brooks is getting a hands-on lesson to learn exactly what to look for.

"Hardly even touching them, you can learn the difference between the muscle mass and just the skin hanging over their bones," he said.

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Hooved Animal Rescue is a nonprofit group of volunteers who save abused horses.

But it's the horses that are of the most concern, and more are expected to need help.

"The worst months are usually February and March, and if we run out of places to put them then we are in trouble," Peterson said.