Animal control agencies in Central California overwhelmed by increase in neglected horses

Rising hay prices, tough economic times and other factors have made it difficult for some horse owners to care for their animals, leading to an increase in abandoned horses. That led to the lifting of a ban on federal inspectors in horse slaughterhouses, a business about to be revived in the U.S., and much discussion about fair treatment of horses. Marc Benjamin of The Fresno Bee reports horse-neglect cases have increased in places hardest hit by the housing crisis and job losses, and that animal control agencies, already struggling with budget cuts and shrunken staffs, are "hard-pressed" to care for horses. (Fresno Bee photo by John Walker)

Shelters are already burdened by higher numbers of small animals, and by the time most neglected horses come in, their health is so bad they require extended veterinary care before adoption. The Central California Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is caring for 37 horses because of recent seizures. It's cared for about 60 horses since July, almost double the amount cared for a year earlier. A Central California SPCA spokeswoman said before 2010, the society cared for about five to six horses annually. The shelter has put expansion of a veterinary hospital and stray dog and cat buildings on hold to care for the horses. (Read more)