The economy is having an effect on horses, their owners, and the groups trying to assist

A foal now in the care of Hope For Horses

It is well documented that the declining economy has resulted in more dogs and cats being surrendered to local shelters and rescue groups than in past years, but did you know more horses are being surrendered as well? Horses rely on their owners for food and shelter just as much as pets do, and financial hardships for horse owners can mean tough decisions have to be made.  The good news is that those struggling with the cost of food and board for their equine family members can, and are, getting help from local rescue groups and shelters before the situation becomes critical.

According to Sandy Grambort, Equine and Livestock Program Coordinator for the Humane Society of North Texas, two years ago most all the livestock they received came in after being seized during a cruelty case. But all that is changing and Ms. Grambort says "we have asked people to let us know when they need help, before their animals are in critical condition, and they are doing so...in ever increasing numbers.  We owe it to them to be there when they call, and to have the resources available to help." 

Over the last few months, while the Arabian case was ongoing, HSNT has been working with a family who owns a herd of approximately 35 horses in Valley View. The owners lost their jobs and simply were unable to continue to care for the 7 mares with foals, 3 yearlings, 8 youngsters 2-3 years old, and 1 10 year old stallion. The owners have released custody of all horses to HSNT. HSNT is looking for donors to help with farrier and vet care, hay and feed sponsors, and foster as well as permanent homes.  In the "never rains but it pours" category, HSNT investigators will also be assisting another county Sheriff's Office this week with a seizure of more neglected equine. Monetary donations can be made through the HSNT website or contact the shelter at 817-332-4768.

And HSNT is not alone.  Just last week, Hope for Horses took possession of more than 60 horses surrendered by their owner and suffering from extreme malnourishment.  The horses have been removed from their original location in Lewisville and are being housed and cared for in Pilot Point. They are safe for now, but 60 horses is a huge strain on any organization and volunteers and donations are desperately needed.  You do not have to have experience with horses to help out as there are plenty of chores to be done.  Donations are also needed. These horses are in such poor condition that they require special feed estimated to cost thousands of dollars each week. Plus the cost of de-wormers, vet bills, hoof care, and high quality grass hay.  Donations of spare halters and lead ropes would also be appreciated.

Volunteers interested in helping out can contact either Anastasia with Hope For Horses at ana_keyser@yahoo.com, Dale Moulton of Thrive Feed at dale@dalemoulton.com, or Hearts4Horses at info@hearts4horses.com to for opportunities and scheduling.  Monetary donations can be made online through either the Hope For Horses website or the Hearts4Horses website - just be sure to specify that your donation is for the "Lewisville" horses.  Even the smallest donation or an hour volunteering can make a huge difference.

Maura Davies of the SPCA of Texas echoes the concerns of Ms. Grambort, recommending that "people who are looking to place their horses with other individuals do their best to place those horses themselves as soon as they recognize the need to do so as so many groups that do take in horses are at capacity and definitely well before their situation gets so critical that they're looking at law enforcement intervention."  Even if they are at capacity, says Ms. Davies, the SPCA will be available as a resource for those with questions. 

The SPCA is always looking for people who are interested in providing loving, caring homes for the horses they currently have that are available for adoption. The available horses (as well as dogs, cats and other pets) can be seen online 24/7 at  (search under Barnyard Animals) -  or days a week from noon to seven at the Perry Campus in McKinney. 

If you know of a family struggling with the cost of caring for their horse(s), please urge them to contact their local municipal shelter, HSNT or the SPCA of Texas, or a local horse rescue group before the situation deteriorates and the animals health and well being is jeopardized.

For more info: Humane Society of North Texas, Hope For Horses, Hearts4Horses,.

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