Rescue Groups See Increase in Horse Neglect Cases

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By Molly Kelleher

Summary

One horse was rescued in Othello, but it's just one example of a larger problem in our area. The horse was found so sick, so dehydrated that she's lucky to be alive.

Story Published: Jul 14, 2009 at 5:32 PM PST

Rescue Groups See Increase in Horse Neglect Cases
ADAMS COUNTY -- One horse was rescued in Othello, but it's just one example of a larger problem in our area.

The horse was found so sick and so dehydrated that she's lucky to be alive.

"Even if you're not an animal lover you're going to be affected by these pictures of this horse. And this is just one horse, one week," said Adams County Pet Rescue Founder, Cindi Lepper.

The pictures speak volumes. The pictures show sores on her nose from rope burns, one shot shows ribs visible and bones sticking out. A vet said she was malnourished and dehydrated.

"It does tear you apart. It makes you get mad. There's frustration and anger," Lepper said.

But after the anger comes hope, which is appropriate since that's also the horse's name. It took just about a week to get Hope to gain 60 pounds. She's now at a foster home and up for adoption.

"Rescues all across the nation are facing this issue because people are dumping horses or starving horses," said Laura Stark.

A national survey out this week reveals 90 percent of horse owners and industry experts say the number of unwanted and neglected horses is increasing.

Also according to the survey, 87 percent call it a "big problem" and just three years ago only 22 percent said that.

And because there's no animal control in unincorporated Benton, Franklin and Adams counties, the problem lands in the lap of animal rescue groups. They take the horses and pay for the rehab.

"It literally takes every penny we have," Lepper said.

But they need more than money, they need your help.

"Just call or walk down the street and ask a neighbor for help. And if you do see something that doesn't look right don't hesitate to call," said Stark.

They need your eyes and ears because they're certain Hope isn't alone.

We're going to put up a link to Adams County Animal Rescue on "Newslinks".

They also serve parts of Franklin County.

If you see a horse you think needs some attention, call one of these groups.

Or if you're a horse owner in over your head, call a local vet and they can put you in touch with groups that can help with food costs or help you adopt out your horse.

Adams County Pet Rescue
P.O.Box 311
Ritzville, WA 99169
509-389-2814