Journal of animal science2010; 88(12); 4142-4150; doi: 10.2527/jas.2010-3250

Unwanted horses: The role of nonprofit equine rescue and sanctuary organizations.

Holcomb, KE
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Stull, CL
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Kass, PH

Abstract: Closure of US equine slaughter facilities in 2007 along with the concomitant economic recession have contributed to a sharp increase in the number of unwanted horses throughout the United States, with estimates totaling 100,000 horses per year. The objective of the study was to obtain comprehensive data regarding nonprofit organizations caring for unwanted horses, along with the characteristics and outcome of horses relinquished to these organizations. Nonprofit organizations that accept relinquished equines were contacted to participate in a 90-question survey. Responding organizations (144 of 326 eligible) in 37 states provided information on 280 cases representative of the 7,990 horses relinquished between 2007 and 2009. Data collected characterized these organizations as being in existence for 6 yr, financially supported through donations and personal funds, dedicated to the care of only 10 to 20 horses on a property of just over 30 acres, and reliant on volunteers for help. Funding was the greatest challenge to continued operation of nonprofit equine organizations, with maintenance costs for the care of a relinquished horse averaging $3,648 per year. Financial hardship, physical inability, or lack of time to care for the horses by owners were the most common reasons for relinquishment, followed by seizure through law enforcement agencies for alleged neglect or abuse. Relinquished horses consisted of mostly light horse breeds (79.3%), with Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses as the most represented breeds. The age of relinquished horses ranged from 3 d to 42 yr old (12.4 ± 0.5 yr). About one-half of the horses entered in the survey were considered unhealthy due to illness, injury, lameness, or poor body condition. For every 4 horses relinquished to a nonprofit organization, only 3 horses were adopted or sold between 2006 and 2009, and many organizations had refused to accept additional horses for lack of resources. The estimated maximum capacity for the 326 eligible registered nonprofit equine rescue facilities of 13,400 is well below the widely published estimate of 100,000 horses that become unwanted in the United States every year. Nonprofit equine rescue and sanctuary facilities have historically played an important role in safeguarding the welfare of horses in society, but funding and capacity are limiting factors to their potential expansion in continuing to care for the current population of unwanted and neglected horses in the United States.

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Publication Date: 2010-08-13 PubMed ID: 20709875DOI: 10.2527/jas.2010-3250Google Scholar: Lookup

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This study explores the role and characteristics of nonprofit equine rescue and sanctuary organizations amidst an increasing number of unwanted horses in the United States, following the closure of horse slaughter facilities in 2007. The study also highlights the challenges these organizations face, as well as the characteristics and outcomes of horses in their care.

About the Research

The research was conducted through a comprehensive 90-question survey, targeted at nonprofit organizations that accept unwanted horses.
Of the 326 eligible organizations, 144 responded, offering insights into 280 cases that represented the 7,990 horses relinquished to these organizations between 2007 and 2009.
The collected data was used to paint a profile of these organizations, as well as the characteristics and outcomes of the horses under their care.

Key Findings

The organizations had been in operation for about 6 years, were typically funded by donations and personal funds, and relied heavily on volunteers for assistance.
Most organizations were able to accommodate only 10 to 20 horses at a time, on lands averaging a little over 30 acres.
Funding was identified as a major challenge, with the annual maintenance cost per horse pegged at $3,648 on average.
Most horses were relinquished to these organizations due to financial challenges, physical inability, or lack of time to care for them by their owners. In some cases, horses were seized by law enforcement over neglect or abuse allegations.
The majority of the horses were light horse breeds like Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, ranging in age from 3 days to 42 years. About half of the horses were considered unhealthy upon entry, due to various health issues.
Between 2006 and 2009, for every four horses received, only three were adopted or sold. Many organizations had even declined to accept more horses due to resource constraints.
The collective capacity of the 326 eligible nonprofit organizations was 13,400 horses, far less than the estimated 100,000 unwanted horses in the US annually.

Implications of the Study

The study highlights the critical role played by nonprofit equine rescue and sanctuary organizations in the well-being of horses, particularly in the face of increasing numbers of unwanted horses.
The results underscore the challenges these organizations face, particularly relating to funding and capacity, which pose a serious limit to their ability to take in and care for more horses.
The data from the study could help inform future policies and initiatives aimed at supporting these organizations and addressing the issue of unwanted horses in the United States.

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APA

Holcomb KE, Stull CL, Kass PH. (2010). Unwanted horses: The role of nonprofit equine rescue and sanctuary organizations. J Anim Sci, 88(12), 4142-4150. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2010-3250