Sam Stathis, the owner of the South Florida Trotting Center which endured a tragic barn fire last week, is still doing all that he can to ensure that 11 horses that were rescued and are in equine hospital are getting the best care they can receive.

Twelve horses lost their lives in the blaze. Stathis is paying the bills for all of the 11 horses that are being treated in the equine hospital, even though only four of the horses are his. Five of the 11 horses are listed in critical condition.

“I want to treat and take care of these injured horses as if they were my own children,” Stathis has said. “Just like a human I want to explore every possible means of treating the 11 horses and giving them a chance. God took 12 horses in the fire but allowed 11 to be rescued for a reason.”

Stathis’ passion for the situation is understandable, and he has divulged that he was removed from the equine hospital on Wednesday (March 23) after a disagreement with staff.

Via release, Stathis said that he was removed from the property by police escort.

“I am not trying to play God, I just want to exhaust every avenue we can to save these horses at any cost,” he has said.

(With files from the South Florida Trotting Center)