Wagner Farm’s decision to auction off their long-time draft horses led to controversy after the low selling price of $3,000 raised concerns about where the beloved horses would go, due to similar priced horses potentially being sold for meat, The Chicago Tribune reported.

The decision to sell the retired horses, Billy and Bob, was publicized on Wagner Farm’s facebook page on April 14. Glory Bound Rescue Ranch, which specializes in neglected animals at risk for euthanization, felt that the decision was likely made due to Wagner Farm being unable to provide sufficient care to Billy and Bob in their old age, The Chicago Tribune reported. This caused Victor Garcia, Board Member of Glory Bound Rescue Ranch, to send a buyer to purchase the horses due to uncertainty about what could happen to the two.

Jennifer Finkelman, Founder of Glory Bound Rescue Ranch, believed that due to the low price, Billy and Bob were being sold for unethical usage, specifically as horse meat. The public auction format also raised concerns from possible buyers, The Chicago Tribune reported. Glory Bound Rescue Ranch opened a public donation page for the care of the two horses, and the ranch will use the funds to continue allowing the public to interact and support the two horses, Finkeleman said.