Eighty horses are among hundreds of animals receiving veterinary and other care after being relocated from an animal sanctuary in Montana.

Prior to their relocation, the horses were among 1,200 animals (including 650 llamas, two camels, several pot bellied pigs, donkeys, bison, cattle, goats, and sheep) residing at the Montana Large Animal Sanctuary and Rescue in Hot Springs. All the animals were fed regularly, but were in need of other care, said Jerry Finch, president of Habitat for Horses, the agency coordinating the removal. The horses were specifically in need of veterinary and extensive hoof care, he said.

Finch said the relocation became necessary earlier this month after the sanctuary's primary donor withdrew financial support. Shortly thereafter the sanctuary's board of directors instructed an employee to find alternative homes for the animals. When the employee refused, a remaining board member sought help in relocating the animals. Finch said the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries contacted him to coordinate the relocation.

The board member subsequently transferred custody of the animals to Habitat for Horses, he said