Residents in one northwest Florida county are stunned.

More than a dozen horses on an area farm were found severely malnourished and some have even died of starvation.

Now, a local family is opening their home and hearts in an effort to rehabilitate the animals.

Melanie and Roger Higdon recently found a number of horses in Jackson County in bad shape. Their previous owner, Tom James was allegedly starving them.

Melanie Higdon said, "I think it's really sad that anybody could let one of their cherished animals get into this condition; this is supposed to be one of his favorite animals that were on his farm and I can't understand how anyone can let it happen."

The Higdon’s took on more than a dozen of the malnourished horses.

They found out the animals were starving through a friend and took action, contacting James trying to help.

Reportedly, James did not want to cooperate and the situation was then turned over to the authorities.

Roger Higdon said, "I think it’s mainly from the economy, from the way things are and I think the horses are what they take care of last."

Roger says James wasn't even feeding some of the horses; in fact, he was just giving them water, waiting for them die.

"They’re like our children,” Melanie says. “We are the ones that are their caregivers; it’s our responsibility to make sure that we do right by them."

And, that's exactly what the Higdon’s and many others are trying to do.

"If they don't get adopted out, I'll feed them until I go broke and if I go broke, I'll find somebody else who isn't broke," Roger added.

What's amazing about the Higdon’s is they’re taking care of all these animals with their own money.

However, they do need any kind of help, whether it is with food or supplies.

If you would like to help these animals, you can contact Melanie Higdon at 850-526-2231.