Associated Press - November 21, 2009 9:44 AM ET

STORRS, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut officials are auctioning off rescued and rehabilitated horses that were cared for by staff and inmates at the Gates Correctional Facility in Niantic.

The auction is being held Saturday at the University of Connecticut's Horse Barn Hill Arena in Storrs. Up for bid are 14 miniature horses, six quarter horses, one Arabian mare, one Morgan-Arab mare, six horses owned by UConn and four goats.

Also, two quarter horses and one thoroughbred-cross will be available for adoption to good homes.

The animals were seized by authorities investigating animal cruelty and neglect cases. They've been cared for by the prison staff and inmates at a large animal rescue barn on the prison grounds.

Funds raised from the auction will help offset state expenses for rehabilitating abused horses and other livestock.

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