Hector & Marlea Mesta

31 horses and 30 dogs seized from Diamond Legends Farm

Malvern, AK         Pulaski County

August 9, 2006

Pulaski County Humane Society animal rescue workers have found temporary homes and shelter for about 60 animals that were seized from the Diamond Legends Farm in Malvern.

Arkansas State Police state that the 31 horses and 30 dogs were found malnourished and some in very poor condition.  At least one horse and one dog were found dead.

Kay Jordan, Director of the Pulaski County Humane Society stated that one puppy taken to an area veterinarian may not live.  She further stated that the bones on some of the animals were protruding and that the animals had no water when rescue workers arrived.

Wild Syn, Hesabull & Funontherun were 3 Grade 2 winning stallions seized and returned to their owners.  Also among the malnourished horses were stallions A.P. Million, an unraced 6 year old, A.P. Indy horse and The Road Boss, a winning 5 year old son of Southern Halo .  There was no hay, grain or water for all but 2 of the 31 horses.  A dead decomposing mare covered by a tarp and a number of bones and hooves were found on the property.

Charges are pending against the Mesta's.

Update September 8, 2006:

Jurgen Arnemann, KY breeder and owner of Wild Syn was the first to uncover the inhumane living conditions when he contacted Mesta to arrange for the horse to return to the Blue Grass following the expiration of a 3 year agreement.

Reference:

WREG-TV3 Memphis

Thoroughbred Times

Breeding racing