MARENGO – An unlikely local celebrity that captivated fans from Europe to Australia and turned attention to an unknown Marengo animal shelter died days before Christmas.

Ripley, a 13- to 15-year-old Belgian draft horse, arrived at Destination Safe Haven in Marengo nearly three years ago and about 1,000 pounds underweight. His frame was frail and he suffered from an infection in his right hind leg that had been untreated for five years.

Ripley’s battle with the infection, known as lymphangitis, ended Dec. 20. The horse refused to stand and walk around the shelter’s grounds along Busse Road in Marengo. With guidance from its veterinarian, the shelter euthanized Ripley.