Abandoned Horses....

Currently I am a member on a social network for pet and animal people in my state and area. We have some very wonderful people in this network. People who genuinely care for and about animals. People who go out of their way to help animals.

Recently one of the members has posted, twice now within a 2 week span, about finding abandoned horses during her walks with her dogs.

<<<This is the picture she took.

We have all read about pets being abandoned with the loss of homes for people. And horses are no different. Many are also being left to starve, or turned loose on public lands with what I am sure is the owners thinking that the horses will fend for themselves. A little hint here... Sorry it doesn't quite work out that way folks!

However! Because the horse has been cared for it's entire life to date, it doesn't have the survival instincts that a wild horse has. There are predators out there from bears to mountain lions and dog packs. And the horse is not part of a herd of wild horses, so should it meet up with wild horses, it is likely to be attacked by the herd. Those who abandon their horses do them a great disservice, and it is far crueler to abandon it or turn it loose, than it would be by giving it to a shelter, or giving it away to someone who can care for it. But, most people are embarrassed to say they can no longer care for it.

The person who found this horse contacted the local livestock inspector, they told her they will go out and try to catch the horse, and if caught the inspector posts ads for him for a week, and if the horse is not claimed he goes to auction. The inspector told her that most horses bought at auction are taken to Mexico, and who knows what happens to them there.

As it is illegal to slaughter them in the US now, a lot of auction horses for horsemeat goes through Mexico to other countries. So my question is this, how is this more humane for the horse? All because of pride? Because they couldn't give him up to one of the shelters? Even our Animal Shelter for dogs, cats and other critters takes in horses. I understand that the person may not have been able to afford feed, but good heavens! There are alternatives!

We need to work on getting the news out better for people who may have trouble caring for their pets or livestock, there are resources available. I know we have programs here where I live to help people with food, livestock feed, and care for their animals when they simply cannot afford to. These programs are so people don't have to part with their beloved companion, and that it will help lower the amount of animals going through our shelters, being abandoned, or euthanized because of lack of finances for care.

Check with your local ASPCA or Humane Society, ask your local shelters, research what other sanctuaries or shelters are available, ask your local paper as they may know. Maybe start a non-profit for a pet food bank. There are so many ideas out there. Even most veterinarians will donate services or food for people in need. Just giving or helping a little goes such a long way! And it can alleviate A LOT of suffering.  Even a 50 pound bag of food can go to helping and it really costs so little. If you know someone who is having trouble, help them find the resources, or encourage them to give the animal away to the shelter, or to someone who can perhaps give the animal care until a new forever home is found for it.