Horses Rescued In Indiana Township

It bills itself as "Pittsburgh's oldest and finest children's day camp." Camp Deer Creek's Web site shows kids riding horses, but this Indiana Township facility is under investigation by the Humane Society for suspected neglect.

Concerned neighbors gave channel 11 photographs of a severely emaciated horse left outside on a tennis court that had to be put down. Authorities confirm this horse was in distress and died giving birth.

"His bones were sticking out," said Jill Hardie. She owns a nearby horse farm and is helping to foster out the worst of the 30 at the camp. "He has been here about a week, he's just now finally coming around, getting a lot of food."

Three colts were also fostered with the permission of camp owner Jay Weitzel, who runs the facility with his sons. One of the owners tells Channel 11 News that the horses were fed and given water regularly. He said often times in winter, horses lose weight.

"They don't lose it to the extent these colts have lost weight," said veterinarian Dr. Jane Kennedy.

Humane agent Ron Smith has been paying weekly visits to the camp since the allegations surfaced in late December. He said Weitzel is cooperating. He hired a vet and brought in more hay.

Charges have not been filed, but could be. Indiana Township is also looking into the allegations.

And this is not the first time the camp has been under investigation. In 2004, the township seized junk vehicles from the property after the owner didn't respond to numerous citations.