Summary

NAME: US PONYLEG 20060512I TAPE: EF06/0409 IN_TIME: 10:49:47:18 DURATION: 00:01:10:00 SOURCES: ABC DATELINE: Baton Rouge - 11 May 2006 RESTRICTIONS: SHOTLIST: Baton Rouge, Louisiana - 11 May 2006 1. Low angle shot of "Molly" walking with prosthetic leg 2. Tilt up shot of Molly in paddock eating 3. Closeup shot of Molly File 4. Still photo of horse's leg before operation 5. Closeup of prosthetic leg Baton Rouge, Louisiana - 11 May 2006 6. Shot of woman with Molly 7. Closeup shot of Molly 8. Wideshot of horse 9. SOUNDBITE:(English) Dr. Rustin M. Moore, Director, Equine Health Studies, Part overlaid with still shots (File) "It was severe. The lower half of the limb was essentially dead. There was no blood supply." File 10. Various still photos of operation Baton Rouge, Louisiana - 11 May 2006 11. Shot of horse walking with a cast 12. Prosthetic leg being harnessed 13. SOUNDBITE:(English) Dr. Rustin M. Moore, Director, Equine Health Studies, Part overlaid with shot of horse walking with prosthetic leg "If there is ever an ideal candidate for this procedure and they're not all that way, this was it. But it was really her that convinced us, convinced me that we should give it a try." File 14. Various still photos pony with children Baton Rouge, Louisiana - 11 May 2006 15. UPSOUND: (English) Kaye Harris, Molly's Owner, overlaid with low angle shot of pony walking "She really gives hope to people and I think she's really and inspiration to all of us." STORYLINE: A 15-year old Shetland pony in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who sustained serious injuries in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, was given a rare operation to give her a prosthetic leg that has been inspiring young victims of last year's natural disaster in the United States. When the hurricane hit, Molly the pony was stranded in a partially collapsed barn for two and a half weeks. Luckily, she was rescued and moved to a nearby farm where a resident had taken in several rescued animals. But, confused with their new surroundings, it was all too much for one abandoned pit bull - who took its rage out on Molly, destroying her right leg so badly that the tendons and arteries to the hoof were severed. Dr. Rustin M. Moore, Director of Equine Health Studies said the injury was severe. "The lower half of the limb was essentially dead. There was no blood supply," he said. The injury prompted her owner Kaye Harris to start inquiring about a prosthetic leg. Veterinarians who were sceptical of the surgery at first, are calling the operation a success. Dr Moore said Molly was an ideal candidate for this procedure. "it was really her that convinced us, convinced me that we should give it a try," he said. The rare surgery was performed at the Louisiana State University's Veterinarian School. Molly wore a cast for five weeks after the surgery before being fitted for her prosthetic leg. Prior to her injuries, Molly used to entertain children at birthday parties. She is now used as a therapeutic friend to children who suffered life-altering injuries as a result of Hurricane Katrina.