Horses which survived Lake Co. semi crash adopted

Ten of the 41 surviving horses from last month's rollover accident were adopted this afternoon from the Wadsworth farm where they have been recovering. The others should be adopted in the next few weeks.

Donna Ewing, president of the Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society in Barrington Hills, was given ownership of the draft horses by the Great West Casualty Insurance Company.

Ewing said HARPS received more than 250 requests to adopt the animals, with applicants from as far away as Sweden.

"We are so heartened by the outpouring of offers from so many excellent homes," Ewing said in a written statement.

Earlier Coverage Stories Editorial: Assure humane transport of horses [11/06/07]Lawmaker: Ban 'inhumane' transport [11/05/07]Comments: Thanks to all who helped with horses [10/31/07]Horses killed in crash [10/28/07]

On Oct. 27, 59 horses were being transported from an auction in Indiana to a Minnesota-based breeder when the double-decker trailer they were in reportedly ran a red light, hit another vehicle and flipped.

The driver, James Anderson, 34, of McLeod, ND, was issued traffic citations. The state and U.S. Department of Agriculture have launched investigations, which may result in more charges.

A total of 18 horses were killed or euthanized as a result of the crash.

Since the crash, horse lovers -- here and across the nation -- have mobilized to help and raise awareness.

Ewing said many of the surviving horses are still in need of veterinary care, so people selected all live within a 50-mile radius of Fred Carney's farm in Wadsworth where they have been recovering.