A horse that broke free from its pasture in Forest Lake needed to be rescued Wednesday after it fell through a neighbor's swimming pool cover into about three feet of water. Firefighters used an aerial ladder truck to lift the horse to safety.

The American Bird Conservancy says trap-neuter-release programs in Minneapolis have led to "cat colonies" which threaten the local bird populations.

State officials are advising horse owners to call a veterinarian if they see any signs of the disease -- such as drooping eyelids, loss of appetite or aimless wandering and circling.

Authorities tell KSTP-TV a mounted patrol was clearing people from a block when 21-year-old Mack Stingley slapped the horse. When officers asked Stingley to leave the horse alone, he allegedly punched the animal in the face.

As many as 30 cats are roaming the streets and digging in dumpsters for food in the small southern Minnesota town. KEYC reports the cats have also cost a local lumberyard thousands of dollars in ruined product. Police say feeding the animals makes the problem even worse. The city is now teaming up with the Waseca County Animal Humane society to trap the cats.