When we became aware of Laurel and three other ponies, our breath caught in our throat. Although the four, who had supposedly worked in a circus for many years, had not even reached the middle of their lives, they were about to die. Completely neglected and emaciated, they were waiting for their last transport to the slaughterhouse. When we heard about this sad fate, we took them under our protection and had them given medical treatment. Laurel had a tumor under her eye that urgently needed to be operated on before she and the others could start their new lives.
