Horses rescued from central Illinois farm to be auctioned

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (AP) - Four horses rescued during an animal cruelty investigation at a central Illinois farm will be up for auction.

The (Bloomington) Pantagraph reports (http://bit.ly/2bBhu4c ) the animals were among five horses authorities found at a farm north of LeRoy in June after getting a tip from a concerned citizen. The animals were malnourished and had open sores.

One horse was euthanized. The others were turned over to the McLean County Animal Control Center. Officials there say the animals have recovered.

Marshell Thomson is director of the animal control center. She says the horses are "absolutely beautiful" and friendly with people, but will require a "big commitment" because they may have some issues at first.

The horses can be viewed through Monday, when they'll be awarded to the highest responsible and qualified bidder.