While a group of horses receives rehabilitative care, Manatee County, Fla., authorities have launched an investigation into county animal service, prompted by the animals’ seizure.

Manatee County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer David Bristow said sheriff’s department personnel confiscated nine horses and about 300 other animals from an animal sanctuary owned and operated by Alan and Sheree Napier of Bradenton, Fla., on Feb. 5. On Feb. 10 another eight horses were taken from a property in Myakka City, Fla., belonging to the same owners, he said. All the horses were taken to Whispering Ranches Feed, where they are receiving care, Bristow said.

Beth Shuttleworth, operator of Whispering Ranches, said a stallion and two pregnant mares are among the 17 confiscated horses. Many of the horses were emaciated, Shuttleworth said, and all are receiving rehabilitative care.

Atty. Peter Lombardo, who represents the Napiers, said his clients have not been charged in connection with the animals’ removal. However Lombardo said the couple often took in animals that were too sick or too old to be placed elsewhere