Methuen High School Online

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) is requesting community-based financial assistance to help cover the cost of medical assistance and daily care for the extraordinary number of horses being surrendered to the non-profit's Equine Center at Nevins Farm. This weekend the Nevins Farm facility will have 30 horses under its care, 43% more than in 2007. This is causing the MSPCA to seek temporary foster homes for some horses until acceptable, permanent homes are found for each horse.

"It is heart wrenching to witness the surrender of a horse that can no longer be cared for by its owner due to financial hardships," said Nevins Farm Barn Manager Melissa Ghareeb. "It is our responsibility to care for and champion these animals as we seek out their new homes."

The MSPCA continues to receive horses at an alarming average rate of nearly one per week. Five horses arrived this week, further stretching the MSPCA's limited resources. Many of the surrendered horses require medical care ranging from simple vaccinations to costly surgeries. Without funding from state or federal government, the MSPCA is hoping that individuals will step forward to help.

Ghareeb said caring for 30 horses at an average monthly cost of $320 has decimated their funds.

Even as individual owners are facing the increased cost of farriers, hay, grain, and veterinary services, the Equine Center is also impacted by these very same factors. Housing is also a concern since horse adoptions are less frequent than adoptions for small animals. Some horses have spent four years at Nevins Farm.

Contributions can be donated online at mspca.org/nevins or mailed to the MSPCA's Equine Center, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.

Source: TheHorse.com