by Carol Hodes, for the SBOANJ

Editor’s Note: Following is a statement from the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey in response to media reports and social media conversations regarding the condition of horses under the care of horsewoman Monica Thors on a farm in Swedesboro, N.J.

Manalapan, NJ — The Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey has been consulting with legislators and other officials in Trenton and feels confident that there should be a resolution to the matter of the horses being mistreated at a Swedesboro, N.J. farm.

“We are aware of the inhumane treatment of Standardbreds owned by Monica Thors, and we have used our contacts in state government to push for actions to remove the horses from her,” said SBOANJ President Tom Luchento. “The appropriate agencies in Trenton will be moving forward to rectify this problem. We are shocked and incensed that the mistreatment of these horses has been ongoing and the issues unresolved despite previous interventions by state agencies.

“We have reached out to our contacts in state government, and we are adding the pressure we can provide to the voices of many who have spoken out about this shocking incident. We have been assured that there will be action and a resolution to this shortly.”