FRANKFORT, Ind. -- Clinton County zoning officials said a farm that cares for abused and neglected horses must obtain a special zoning exemption or go out of business.

Indiana Horse Rescue's nearly 22-acre property near Frankfort is mostly zoned for general business, which allows horse boarding, but not certain types of feeding.

Co-founder Tony Caldwell said the zoning problem was the result of an honest mistake made when the organization opened 12 years ago.

Zoning officials said the discrepancy came to light when they received complaints about the farm. The complaints cite the storage of hay on the property and the burial of manure, among other things.

County commissioners will hold a hearing on the rezoning Jan. 16.

Caldwell and co-founder Kathryn Caldwell won an RTV6 Leadership Award in December for running the horse rescue operation.

More Info: Indiana Horse Rescue