A deadly outbreak of tornados that struck the Midwest between February 28 and March 2, 2012, tore a path of destruction through several states with a high population of horses including Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee. Weather reports show that extreme tornado activity stretched as far south as Louisiana and as far north as Illinois and Indiana.
Number of horses dead, missing or injured uncertain
Tornados that struck the Midwest between February 28 and March 2, 2012, tore a path of destruction through several states with a high population of horses.
The number of horses dead missing or injured as a result of the storms is still uncertain. Horse owners in the stricken states are assessing damage and calculating losses after this series of early spring tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service, 42 confirmed tornadoes tore through Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio on March 2. The storms packed winds as high as 180 mph, knocking out utilities and flattening homes and barns. All told, the confirmed human death toll reached 39, according to the agency.
Since then, more tornados have caused death and destruction to many areas with the latest number of people killed by tornados estimated to be as high as 50. With the number of horses missing, injured and lost continuing to be uncertain.
While the damage assessments continue, the Kentucky Horse Council is coordinating support for tornado-affected horse owners through the U.S. Equine Disaster Relief Fund. The Fund provides revenue to help horse owners purchase necessities such as feed and fencing in the aftermath of tornadoes and other devastating storms.
Those wishing to donate to the U.S. Equine Disaster Relief Fund can visit:
http://www.kentuckyhorse.org/disaster-relief/ for details.