Willie Nelson to Take Burned, Starved Horse

Maybe when Whisper arrives in Texas, Willie Nelson will give him a beer. 

The famous musician has agreed to take in the stallion, after Berkeley County Animal Control seized him along with mare Traveler from a man accused of neglecting them. Whisper was not only severely underweight, but suffering from kerosene burns from when his owner allegedly tried to cure a fungus along his back.

Both horses went into the care of Lowcountry nonprofit LEARN (Livestock and Equine Awareness and Rescue Network). 

According to LEARN's Eric Elkins, the placement of the horses was aided by News 2 in Charleston, which made the initial contact with Nelson. The horses will not be moved until they are better.

Elkins reported Whisper has gained about 25 pounds back and pictures show his wounds are healing.

Earlier this month, Dwight Benjamin McCloud was charged with three counts of failure to provide care or treatment for a diseased or injured animal; three counts of failure to provide humane treatment to animals; and one count of failure to provide adequate food and water. He had four horses, but only two were seized. 

According to Elkins, Nelson is using Whisper and Traveler's story to advocate for humane treatment of equines, something he has championed for years. Elkins said Nelson will go to the Capitol soon to tell their story. 

To donate to LEARN, which has about 30 other equines in need, click here. 

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