MSPCA: Horse Surrenders, Costs Continue to Rise
February 25, 2010
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Calli came to the MSPCA's Equine Center severely underweight (above). The MSPCA helped Calli return to health (below) and have been seeking a permanent home for the mare. |
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Storms Flood Limited Stall Space
Following a record shattering year of horses surrendered to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, additional equines are arriving at an alarming rate as the non-profit absorbs rising costs of care. Recent storms are also impacting the non-profit as the wet weather has already flooded three stalls and threatens to spread to more as available space becomes scarce.
The MSPCA’s Equine Center regularly accepts horses from owners struggling to make ends meet. In 2007, the non-profit cared for 21 surrendered horses; however, that number climbed to 70 horses surrendered in 2009. An additional 10 horses have been surrendered in 2010 with 7 additional equines scheduled to arrive by April 1, foreshadowing another record breaking year for homeless horses at the farm.
“Many horse owners have been in crisis for some time and they are now realizing that their best efforts to keep their horses are no longer enough,” said Melissa Ghareeb, Nevins Farm’s Barn Manager. “Horses are expensive animals to own and we are accepting that burden as we help many of them regain their health and all of them find new homes. While we are caring for an amazing number of horses, we may only be witnessing the beginnings of a much larger problem as more horse owners reach their financial breaking points in unison.”
As the number of homeless horses at the MSPCA’s Equine Center rises each week so does the cost of daily care. On average the non-profit spent $320 per horse each month in 2009 for daily care, including grain and hay, however, that number has risen to $350 in 2010 as the cost of essentials climb.
• Calli arrived at the MSPCA’s Equine Center severely underweight and green to handling in January, 2009. Now, more than 13 months later, her health has markedly improved and she is being trained in foster care. In addition to countless staff hours required for anti-fungal bathings, the MSPCA has spent nearly $5,000 on her care.
• Rusty arrived at the MSPCA’s Equine Center also severely underweight in late September 2009. Rusty has since required more than $2,400 of care including care for an episode of colic.
• Duke is a recent arrival having become homeless less than two weeks ago. Already his care has involved blood work, dental treatments and vitamin supplementation totaling more than $600.
The MSPCA is seeking foster care and permanent adoptive homes for the horses in their care. Those interested in adoption or foster care are asked to contact the MSPCA’s Equine Center at (978) 687-7453, press 8, x6113 or email barnstaff@mspca.org.
To donate to the ongoing care and operations of the MSPCA’s Equine Center please click here.
