Baghdad starving and without drinking water

[sarettah]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor.../iraq_horses_dc

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S. troops have rescued 16 thoroughbred Arabian racehorses that belonged to Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) and returned them to an equestrian center to be cared for, animal welfare workers said Tuesday.

"The original team of people who cared for these horses has been located and they have returned to look after them," Ahmed Khan of the International Fund for Animal Welfare said in a statement.

IFAW said the horses were removed from the equestrian center shortly before the war that toppled Saddam. They were taken to a racecourse for safety, presumably with the Iraqi president's knowledge.

Since the war, the horses had been held at the racecourse by Iraqis who refused to give them back.

"Concerns grew for their safety and over the refusal of those holding them to release them," the statement said.

Members of Saddam's family, and particularly his notorious son Uday, were regulars at racecourses and equestrian clubs in Baghdad before the war. Both Saddam and Uday owned several horses, which sometimes took part in races.

IFAW has sent five animal welfare workers to Baghdad to care for animals in the city, particularly in Baghdad zoo. It said animals were left traumatized and without food and water after the war.

"We are assisting with any veterinary help that is required and we hope to provide new grooming kits to improve the care of the horses. Thankfully those that have been rescued will be safe now they are back at the equestrian center," IFAW said.