Drought and Economy Threaten Horses

Newsdate: Thu, 25 Aug 2011 - 11:40 am
Location: AUSTIN, Texas

With the poor economy and exceptional drought in Texas, Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society President and Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Williams says that the conditions are dire for horses across the state of Texas. “I’ve been involved in rescue since 1998 and have faced many challenges, but 2011 is the most challenging year I’ve faced.

Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society is a nonprofit rescue organization that works across the state of Texas to get help for starving, abused, neglected and abandoned horses.The group primarily works with law enforcement agencies to investigate reports of neglect, educate the owners when possible and remove, rehabilitate and rehome the horses when necessary.

The organization currently has approximately 125 horses, donkeys, mules, ponies and miniature horses in foster care. The drought means that there’s no grass available for grazing and little hay has been grown in Texas this year. The cost of hay has more than doubled in most areas, and Williams says this is why fewer people are fostering and adopting than she’s seen in years. However there are more horses in need today than ever before, and Williams believes this will only continue to get worse.

Bluebonnet is looking for adopters to give permanent homes to their horses, and they’re waiving the adoption fees on over twenty-five horses in an attempt to help them find new homes. Foster homes help house and care for the horses until adopters are found, and Bluebonnet needs more foster homes to sign up.

Volunteers also help with nearly every aspect of the rescue: checking out potential homes, checking out neglect cases, fundraising and more.For more information about adopting, fostering, donating or volunteering, please contact Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society at http://www.bluebonnetequine.org, 

About the Author

Flossie Sellers

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As an animal lover since childhood, Flossie was delighted when Mark, the CEO and developer of EquiMed asked her to join his team of contributors.

She enrolled in My Horse University at Michigan State and completed a number of courses in everything related to horse health, nutrition, diseases and conditions, medications, hoof and dental care, barn safety, and first aid.

Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in horse care and equine health is now a habit, and she enjoys sharing a wealth of information with horse owners everywhere.

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