Buckeye Farm News

More than 90 percent of respondents to a recent nationwide survey believe the number of unwanted horses, as well as those neglected and abused, is increasing.

The online survey conducted by the Unwanted Horse Coalition was aimed at horse owners and industry stakeholders and received more than 27,000 responses. Horse owners cited the poor economy and the closing of U.S. horse processing facilities as the leading factors in the increase in the number of unwanted horses.

Among other findings, respondents said the best ways to address the problem include educating owners to purchase and own responsibly; increase ability of private rescue/retirement facilities to care for unwanted horses; reopen processing plants and increase options and resources to euthanize unwanted horses.

Tom Lenz, the chair of the coalition, said the survey findings will be useful in identifying common ground for all interested groups to develop solutions.