Problems related to unwanted horses are perceived to be growing, with more than 90% of respondents to a recent survey indicating that the number of abused, neglected and unwanted horses is increasing, according to the Unwanted Horse Coalition, which commissioned the survey.
The coalition said 87% of respondents said the issue is now "a big problem," compared with 22% who believed that three years ago.
The coalition said respondents consider the economic recession to be a major contributor to the unwanted horse problem. The closing of U.S. horse slaughter facilities, changes in breed demand, indiscriminate breeding and high costs of euthanasia and carcass disposal were also cited as important reasons, the coalition said.
Regarding placement options for unwanted horses, the coalition said 63% of equine rescue/retirement facilities polled reported that they are at or near capacity and turn away 38% of horses brought to them. Capacity is clearly the issue, the coalition said, in that as many horses stay for life at the facilities as are adopted out.
The survey was conducted by an independent market research company that contacted more than 23,000 horse owners and equine industry stakeholders, as well as non-horse owners. The complete survey is available at www.unwantedhorsecoalition.org.
The coalition is an alliance of equine organizations that joined together under the American Horse Council to educate the industry and public on the issue of unwanted horses.
Tribes act on unwanted horses issue
In a related development, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has passed a resolution supporting the reopening of the U.S. horse plants and urging an end to federal government interference in the ability of tribes to manage horses on tribal lands.
The resolution was brought to NCAI at its midyear meeting last month by the National Tribal Horse Coalition.