The Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ind. - An Indiana group will help care for some of more than 80 undernourished and sick horses found abandoned on farms throughout Kentucky.

Monday, the Indiana Hooved Animal Humane Society will begin moving the horses, which include 62 thoroughbred and 24 quarter horses, to farms that can provide food and medical care.

"Since 1989, this is the most overwhelming case we've ever had," said Shirley Smith, owner of the group. "We're in dire need of hay, grain, penicillin, bandages. Right now, it's just really bad. We're talking about a lot of horses."

The carcasses of dead horses first alerted authorities to the farms in Pekin and Burlington, Ky. Arrest warrants have been issued for several people.

The living horses authorities found included pregnant mares and stallions. They were taken three weeks ago and placed on various farms until permanent homes can be found. They range in age from 2 months to 23 years.

Ms. Smith, and her husband, Sam, have devoted the last 13 years of their retirement to rescuing neglected and unwanted animals.

Debbie Gullett of Pekin said she was shocked after learning about the horses on television and contacted Ms. Smith about helping.

"Some have hair, and some don't," she said. "Right now I'm running from one place to the other trying to get things for them."