Two horses within the last few days have died in Medina County after getting stuck in muddy ponds.

One 2,000 pound draft horse died after being trapped in a pond  for several hours Saturday in Homerville.

 The other horse was stuck in a dried-up pond near Spencer for 12 hours Monday before being pulled free by rescuers, but was unable to stand on one of its legs.

Stephanie Moore of the Medina County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals tells AkronNewsNow.com the dry summer conditions are responsible for their deaths.
 

"We think the drought has a lot to do with it, because the first scenario on Saturday, that was at one point a functioning watering hole for these animals," Moore explained.

According to Moore, the horse had to be put down today.

She says farmers and those with livestock can prevent their animals from being trapped by following a few simple tips.

"People need to provide accessible water so that the animals don't have to risk going in these types of ponds," Moore said.

"You can prevent an accidental death by keeping a track of your animals by counting them both day and night."

Farmers tell the Medina County SPCA ponds in the area are several feet below normal in some locations because of the lack of rain.