The four surviving thoroughbred horses, along with a donkey and a miniature horse, taken from a Bethel farm Dec. 28 in an alleged animal cruelty case, are eating well, their energy is returning, and they are getting frisky, according to veterinarian Dr. Brenda Specht, who is overseeing the care of the animals.

Two horses removed from the Bethel farm had to be euthanized because of severe malnutrition. Chad Moore of Bethel has been charged with animal cruelty and animal abandonment in the case.