Multiple Mini Horses, Donkey Poisoned At North Carolina Petting Zoo

Talk about a nightmare. One petting zoo in North Carolina is dealing with a cruel act of animal poisoning. Sprinkle’s Mobile Petting Zoo reports that three mini horses and a donkey have been poisoned at their location.

According to ABC 13 News, the three mini horses are dead after being exposed to poison in Rutherford County. Officials report that Wednesday, June 29th a fence and outdoor cameras were getting installed at the zoo. These extra security measures come following the death of three horses. ABC 13 News reports that the owners believe the animals were exposed either June 23 or June 24 by trespassers. “They eat out of your hands, they trust humans with everything they have they’ll just come up to you and show you love that’s the first thing they want to do is just come up to you,” Sprinkle said to ABC 13 news. “It’s very heartbreaking. It’s hard to believe that someone could actually do that to an animal.”

Animal Control was called following the incident, say officials. Since then, the investigation is now in the hands of the local sheriff's office. According to animal control, each charge of animal cruelty can be punishable by up to a $1,500 fine or nearly a year in jail. Sprinkle’s Mobile Petting Zoo owners worry about what is next for their farm. Wondering if trespassers will return for other animals is their concern.

On the other hand, the donkey remains in critical condition. Sprinkle's owner says there is a "50-50 chance" of the donkey surviving the poisoning, according to ABC 13. The donkey is back home and receiving medication around the clock from the family. The mobile petting zoo is the way of life for the family and they hope to return to work soon. The family has a Go Fund Me for the vet bills for their animals. The poisoning remains under investigation.

Source: ABC 13 News

I warn you before you read this, your heart will melt. There are tons and tons of pets in the Charlotte metro and surrounding areas that need loving homes. Not to make you sad, but across the world, animal shelters take in millions of stray, abused, and lost animals each and every day. However, when you rescue one of these animals, you are giving them a second chance.

Here you will find a list of 8 different places you can rescue pets near Charlotte, North Carolina. Please make sure you have the time and financial means to take care of a pet before agreeing to.

Bring home a new family member!
Animal shelter
Located at 2700 Toomey Ave in Charlotte
(704) 377-0534
You can see more on rescuing a new best friend here.

Want a new best friend?
Pet adoption service
(704) 879-1729
You can see more about rescuing pets here.

Want to bring a little kitty home? They make great snuggle partners!
A nonprofit cat rescue group serving Southeast Charlotte, NC, and Upstate SC.
See more on rescuing a pet here.

I once found a bunny and he was adopted through CMPD Animal Control! They help find homes for all kinds of pets.
Animal Shelter
(704) 336-7600
Located at 8315 Byrum Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217.
Click here to see more on rescuing an animal here.

Animal Shelter
Located at 220 Joyceton Church Road Lenoir, NC 28645.
(828) 572-4822
You can see more about rescuing pets here.

Animal Rescue
(704) 920-3288
244 Betsy Carpenter Place Concord, NC 28025.
See more on rescuing pets here.

Located at 19110 Meridian Street Cornelius, NC 28031.
(704) 237-3602
You can see more on animals available to rescue here.

Animal Shelter
Located at 8177 Regent Parkway Suite 103, Fort Mill, South Carolina.
(803) 802-0902
You can see more about rescuing a pet of your own here.