Page County investigators are looking into a case of alleged animal cruelty, an issue they say is growing thanks in part to the recession.

Page County animal control officers seized five horses from Larry Ripple at his home along U.S. Route 211 Wednesday.

Humane investigator Hilleary Bogley says she's seen a tenfold increase in calls in the last year about animal abuse and neglect, adding some people simply can't afford to take care of their animals.

However, the financial issues aren't just tied to the owners of the animals.

Ultimately, someone has to pay to take care of them and nurse them back to health.

Bill Reel runs a horse stable in Broadway, where he cares for more than 30 horses.

He says caring for one horse properly costs at least $300 each month.

"Somewhere along the line, these people need to take a hard look at what they're capable of doing," says Reel.

He's done that. He's cared for improperly treated horses in the past, but knows he can't take on anymore right now.

"We're just getting strained. They've been called on more so in the last couple years than ever," says Reel.

He says some people who are in the business of caring for and selling horses have been facing difficult economic times themselves.

Jami Buracker, the manager of the Page County Animal Shelter, says the safety net of volunteers and donors is vital since the shelter has lost 24 percent of its funding.

"Fortunately, a lot of our food is donated. We are very fortunate in that because our budget was cut so much," says Buracker.

She says volunteers throughout the Valley are caring for the horses seized Wednesday.

The shelter has also applied for a grant to help pay for that care.

With investigators seeing a dramatic increase in animal neglect cases, Reel is very concerned.

"Bottom line is, where do they go? Where do you put them? You've got to find a place before the end comes. It's a tough circle. It's a tough circle," says Reel.

The Augusta Regional Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is caring for 30 horses seized in another case from earlier this year. Executive Director Debbie Caywood say the organization is spending about $1,000 per week to care for those horses, which doesn't include manpower and volunteer hours.

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