A horse rescue in Maple Valley, Wash. is struggling to remain open - and workers fear that its closure may mean that more horses are slaughtered. KOMO 4 News reported on Thursday, Feb. 28 that Serenity Equine Rescue is at maximum capacity and is facing dire financial choices - including potential closure.
Serenity Equine Rescue has been registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit and Washington State Charitable Organization since Feb. 2008. The organization specializes in equine rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption.
The horse rescue focuses on cases of animal abuse and neglect, providing these horses with quality veterinary care, socialization, and essential training to prepare them for adoption. The organization is also dedicated to exposing abusive practices and those who are engaged in them.
While over $53 billion was spent on pets in 2012, the economy has been very difficult for many animals and those who work to save them. With current hay prices, workers are unsure of what the future holds for this organization - and they desperately need help.
"It's crunch time," said volunteer Brenda Lane.
"We are literally funding this place day to day. Hay prices have never been higher."
Serenity Equine Rescue has helped so many animals in need - but now they themselves need help.
"When you hear about those huge seizures or a hoarding situation or a neglect situation with 30 horses, there's no where for King County to take those horses. They go to rescues, they go to us," Lane stated.
Serenity, which receives most of its hay from eastern Washington, is experiencing the dual problem of shortages and increased costs. After fires swept the Ellensburg and Cle Elum area, hay availability plummeted.
"Thousands and thousands and thousands of acres (burned), so everyone is suffering," Lane said.
Sadly, Serenity can no longer afford the $150 a day it costs to feed the horses. While volunteers have been helping, their pockets are not as deep as their hearts.
"We worry about the horses," stated Lane.
"They are number one. They are why we're here."
Would you like to help this important Washington horse rescue remain open - and continue to make a difference for animals in need? To donate to Serenity Equine, click here.
Updates to this story will be posted as they occur.
"Like" this column to help share it with others!
If you would like to continue to receive important information, features, and news related to pets in Seattle and beyond, please click the "Subscribe" icon located at the top of this column. It's free, convenient, and anonymous!
You can also find Seattle Pets on Facebook!
Comments