The record-breaking animal abuse case that became public here in May now has a happy ending.

Eighteen of the 19 horses confiscated at a horse farm near Cameron have been placed in good homes, according to Frank Ringelberg, lead animal control officer in the case.

The only sad part of the story is the death of the 19th horse. Ringelberg says one horse was in such poor condition that it died of liver failure. Disposition of the other animals, including cows and llamas, is still in negotiation.

"None of this could have happened without the help from friends and public support," Ringelberg said of the success story.

Ringelberg said Moore County Animal Control was able to care for the abused animals and find homes for them because of an outpouring of love and generosity from the community and also from animal lovers in other parts of the state. He cites veterinarians, businesses, 4-H Club members, a farrier, and innumerable families and individuals who helped in remarkable ways.

"During the last nine weeks, I met a lot of new people and became friends with most of them and most of them are now on my speed dial," Ringelberg said.

Ringelberg said he would not have been able to arrange care for the animals in such a professional manner had it not been for the many men, women and young people who pitched in and helped.

For more on this story, see Wednesday's print edition of The Pilot.