The Humane Society of the United States promotes the view held by most Americans that horses are companion animals and partners in recreation, sport, and work. The Equine Protection Department works to safeguard the welfare of our horses—by fighting equine cruelty and abuse, working to pass laws to end horse slaughter, encouraging responsible horse ownership, ending irresponsible breeding practices, and providing support and resources to the horse rescue community.
HSUS Animal Rescue teams are ready at a moment's notice to rescue horses from poor living conditions or bring them to safety in the face of a disaster.
Following a rescue, we ensure that the horses are checked by a team of veterinarians and given any necessary, immediate medical care. Once they are strong enough to be transported, we place them with local rescues where they can be adopted out to responsible homes, or we place them in permanent sanctuary.
The following are some of our most recent equine rescues:
In June 2011, The HSUS, Front Range Equine Rescue and Denkai Animal Sanctuary assisted the Wyoming Livestock Board with the care and placement of nearly 100 horses seized from a Lincoln County property.
In May 2011, The HSUS and ASPCA—along with Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue, and Summer Winds Stables—assisted Queen Anne’s County Animal Control in removing 133 neglected and malnourished horses from a private farm.