Rescued abused horse missing from S. Illinois veterinary clinic

Union County officials were asking for the public's help in tracking down a missing horse.

The four-year-old brown and white Appaloosa horse went missing Feb. 24 from the veterinary clinic of Dr. Nancy Kucera, the Union County Animal Control administrator.

The horse, whose white markings were "very pronounced" and cover most of the sides of the animal, was kept in a barn in a stall and it appeared to have been removed, according to a news release from the Union County state's attorney's office.

It had been one of two horses that were impounded Feb. 7 due to their poor physical conditions as a result of inadequate food, water, shelter and humane care, the release stated.

The second horse died shortly after being impounded due to its poor condition, according to the release.

Patrick Rendleman, of Anna, Ill., was charged with misdemeanor unlawful violation of a owner's duties. During a court appearance March 9, Rendleman claimed through his attorney that he did not know where the horse had gone, the release stated.

The release warned that if anyone is found to have stolen the horse, he or she could be charged with burglary or theft and be sentenced up to seven years in prison.

Anyone with information on the missing horse should contact the Union County Sheriff's Department at 618-833-5500.