Baltimore officials seize horses from traditional vendors

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Baltimore health officials have taken custody of 14 horses owned by traditional vendors who sell fruit from horse-drawn carriages and sent them to a rescue farm, citing poor stable conditions.

Health officials say Animal Control officers took the horses on Tuesday from a stable used by arrabers, merchants who peddle produce from horse-drawn carts in a generations-old Baltimore tradition.

Officials say the conditions of the stables combined with extremely cold temperatures prompted the raid. Officials say the horses are impounded at the Days End Farm Horse Rescue, and that Animal Control and the Baltimore State's Attorney's Office are investigating.

Officials say a pig, a goat and two chickens were also removed from the stables and sent to rescue.