Twenty horses, including pregnant and nursing mothers and a pony with a potentially fatal injury, are the latest victims of the economic downtown.
Owner cited the economy and soaring hay prices as the reason for the problem.
(April 26, 2011)
The economic downturn has taken its toll on our state's most vulnerable victims. Twenty horses (including young babies, pregnant mares, and many two and three year olds whose growth has been stunted from lack of nutrients) have been taken from a ranch outside of Susanville, Calfornia. The owner, who once had a thriving business, claims that he has tried to hold onto the horses as long as he could, but trying to feed himself and the horses has become impossible. The owner agreed to relinquish 20 of the horses that were in the worst condition, but he is trying to keep the remaining 30 horses he has at his ranch in the eastern part of Northern California.
This is a situation that is being played out all over the country. Horse owners that have been trying to hold onto their horses for as long as they can, in hopes that the economy will turn around, and they are now throwing in the towel. Animal control agencies faced with horrific budget cuts are now being forced to intake these horses without a budget to be able to care for them.
"Everyone hoped that this year would begin the turnaround for horses in need, but so far it is just the opposite," says Beth DeCaprio, Executive Director of the Grace Foundation. "We have seen numbers double since the first of the year and we are receiving calls from agencies all over the state requesting assistance."
The sudden increase in gas prices, jumping the price of hay 25%, is adding additional stress to an already catastrophic situation.
The Grace Foundation, whose mission is to rescue and rehabilitate abused and neglected horses, as well as other animals, has taken in a record 175 animals since the first of 2011 and there is no relief in sight.
The Grace Foundation is asking for the community's help in finding homes for some of the 150 horses currently living at Grace. They are also looking for volunteers and sponsors for the horses.
"I believe we can get through this difficult time, but it is going to take the entire community's help," says Beth. "Once you look in one of the baby's eyes, you know you have to find a way."
Grace also specializes in programs for youth of all ages, as well as those with special needs. On the first Saturday of every month, Grace holds a clinic for new volunteers. Children as young as eight are welcome to become a volunteer at Grace.
The Grace Foundation is working directly with the animal control agency in the county where these horses use to reside. That agency will be monitoring the remaining thirty horses.
To visit the horses please contact Beth DeCaprio (916) 396-2768 or (916) 941-0800.
