Severely Injured And Left For Dead, Rudy The Horse On The Road To Recovery

Days after Oklahoma City Animal Control found a horse on the brink of death, that same horse is making great improvement.

The horse, named Rudy, is being cared for in Jones, Okla. and is eating and walking with ease, although he has a long road of recovery ahead.

"Rudy is just like the movie, he's a fighter," said Shawn Cross of Blaze's Tribute Equine Rescue.

Fighting for his life, Rudy may be bandaged from head to foot, but he doesn't let that stop him. Step by step, Rudy gets better.

"Looks like a boxer, but he fought his fight, and he's winning, back in recovery right now,” Cross said.

Cross has cared for countless injured animals and looks forward to getting Rudy back on his feet among the nearly 120 other horses at the rescue. Rudy already looks much different than he did days ago.

1/2/2015 Related Story: Nearly Dead Horse Rescued In OKC

"Covered in blood, covered in mud, you know he was down for two days in the cold and the rain," Cross said.

Oklahoma City Animal Control found Rudy Friday morning, abandoned after being entangled in barbed wire fencing and viciously attacked by other animals. He was left in the 7000 block of St. Bernard Street, presumed to be dead with multiple cuts, bloody eyes and chopped off ears.

"They didn't even go out there to check on him to see if he was alive. They didn't call a vet to come out and help or anything like that, and I think that's the most distressing thing," Cross said.

But like a champ, Rudy keeps fighting.

"He's doing great, and is functioning like he's supposed to.”

Despite being punched in the mouth, Rudy enjoys eating soaked alfalfa cubes, even though it takes him a while to chew. He's still sore, but loves a good scratch on his chin.

"He's a good horse, he just needed a chance and likely now he has one," Cross said.

Rudy has received overwhelming support from around the world, including donations from England, New Zealand and South Africa. More than $15,000 has been raised for Rudy's care, and he already has multiple adoption offers.

OKC Animal Control says it plans to hold the horse owner accountable for failure to provide proper care.

Learn how you can help with Rudy's recovery.