The Foreclosed Economy Kicking Horse Owners Hard

The foreclosed economy is giving horse owners sharp kicks causing them to run from the stables and abandon their horses. This is something unthinkable for horse lovers but it is what is happening. The pace of abandoning animals is increasing so fast that animal shelters are unable to keep up with it.

There are many factors contributing to this tragedy – high food and fuel prices, houses gobbled up by foreclosures and unemployment are all having a role to play that is ultimately making the hapless horses a victim. The trend is spreading across the nation. It is a common sight to see horses abandoned in fields and roads. The rescue organizations are being flooded with calls.

Gretchen Salstrom speaking for People Helping Horses, Arlington, recounts with horror the instance of one horse being shot on the forehead and left to die. The animal survived with a defective eye. More stories are rolling in of abuse, neglect and abandonment. Some are bringing their animals to the shelter. She said “We’ve had four horses returned to us due to financial situations.” In nine cases out of ten the reason is the foreclosure related crisis. It has never happened before on such a scale. Asthe foreclosure situation worsens more people are walking away leaving behind highly pedigreed pricey horses. Salstrom receives calls from various states. In an Indian Reservation about one hundred horses are in need of help. She added, “It’s definitely something I’m hearing more of.”

The foreclosure crisis has led to a rise in food costs for the horses. In a year the price of a bag of seed went up from $9 to $14 and hay increased from $14 to $150 per ton. To make matters worse animal shelters like People Helping Horses are seeing a fall in donations. Salstrom says that it is really sad. They just cannot refuse. Some non-profit animal rescue organizations are receiving about one hundred calls in a month. Horse lovers are gearing up for worse days ahead. Salstrom added, “We’re going to get plenty of horses this winter. I can guarantee it. They’ll be coming – we’ll be taking care of them.” In the previous year this group had to pay $45,000 for hay. This year it will most probably cross $60,000.

Ranchers across the county are faced with a moral crisis. After a public outcry slaughterhouses have been shut down since last year.