NATCHEZ — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office rescued this week two starving horses and a hog that had been yoked for so long its skin had grown into the yoke.

According to a news release from the ACSO, Sheriff Chuck Mayfield, Victim’s Assistance Coordinator Karren Ewing and other deputies responded to a call on Galmore Road regarding neglected animals.

The hog had a broken jaw and the horses were both approximately 400 pounds underweight, according to the release.

The animals’ owner reportedly showed up at the scene and signed a surrender form for the animals after meeting with volunteers from the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.

After watering the horses, Mayfield roped the hog and the animals were transported to the Larkin Veterinary Clinic in Bude, for quarantine, testing and nursing, according to the release.

“When they took the yoke off of that old hog, he rolled around and was so relieved,” Mayfield said. “We were glad to get to these animals in time to save them and we are grateful to the person who alerted us to their condition. Please, if you have animals and for whatever reason you cannot care for them, call us or the Humane Society. And if you see animals that are abused or neglected, let us know. We will help.”

The investigation did not result in any criminal charges. Mayfield said the sheriff’s office doesn’t pursue charges against owners if they choose to surrender the animals.

“If they will surrender (the animals) we will take them and get (the animals) out of the situation,” he said. “If they want to fight it, we will go ahead and charge them, but this gives us a chance to get the animals immediate care instead of having to go and get a court order, which can take an hour or a day.”

Mayfield said the animals will be placed in foster care until a permanent home is found for them.