Dear Editor,

I recently read about an unspeakable tragedy that was just narrowly averted because of the courageous action of one person.

Eight horses were starving in a field while their owners consistently failed to provide food, water or basic veterinary care.

The horses ate bark off trees in a desperate attempt to stave off hunger, but it wasn’t enough — they were slowly dying.

Thankfully, a neighbor saw the horses suffering. She called a local veterinarian, which sparked a rescue operation to save the horses.

Animal cruelty is disturbing, but each of us can put a stop to it.

Any time you suspect animal abuse, your first call should be to the local humane society, animal control or the police. Get them out there to investigate.

I urge the citizens of this community to join with me and speak out against animal abuse wherever and whenever they see it. Innocent animals are depending on us to be their voice.