With everyone focused on the economy and concern about eroding home values and savings at a peak, economic forecasts couldn’t be much bleaker. Even so, I’d guess that Wall Street probably isn’t paying much attention to the trickle down effect on horses. Horse owners and horse rescue organizations all over the country can tell you though, there’s a lot to worry about.
Photo by David Webb
With fuel and hay costs hitting record highs, many horse owners are finding it difficult to care for their animals. Horse rescue organizations across the country are faced with unprecedented pressure to care for surrendered and abandoned horses while simultaneously dealing with the same rising costs that force horses into their care. Worse still, both donations and adoptions are drying up as horse benefactors tighten their belts. Even previously adopted horses are returning to the shelters that found them new homes. National Geographic showcased the problem in a recent online article.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has two emergency funds set up to help non-profit equine welfare and rescue organizations, Equine Fund Grants and Emergency Hay Support Grants. Please consider making a donation, volunteering, or fostering a horse through a local equine rescue group or donating to one of the ASPCA grant programs. Sadly, equine welfare groups are predicting this problem to escalate dramatically.
Let us know how horses are doing in your area—much depends on local weather and economic conditions. Are you seeing hay prices soar?
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