February 2009

Late last month, the New Hampshire SPCA (NHSPCA) announced that it is seeking adopters, foster homes and support for the ten horses currently in its care. The ten horses come from a variety of cases of animal cruelty and neglect.  

“Our normal average for horses in residence is two or three,” said Lisa Dennison, Executive Director. “Now with ten horses to care for, six of them needing medical care, and the price of hay being almost double, we are really stretched.”   

Four of the horses, one of whom is pregnant, came from a case in Deerfield, NH, where their owner had stopped caring for them. They didn’t have proper shelter, water or food. When they came in they were malnourished and very thin. Three of them are currently available for adoption. Another horse, a very large Draft Mix, was rescued from Kingston, NH, where his owner had tethered him to a tree. The rope had become snagged around his back leg and caused a severe wound to his ankle. His owner was not providing him appropriate shelter or medical care for his injury. 

Two more horses came to NHSPCA because their owner couldn’t afford to feed them anymore. The two year old mare and the fifteen year old pony were both very thin. The pony is expected to give birth this spring. “I’m anxious to find a home for the two pregnant horses in particular. I’d like to see them have a home and an appropriate place to give birth,” said NHSPCA Barn Manager Suzanne Bryant.

“We are concerned that we are at capacity for horses. There could be more horses in need in the near future, especially in this economy, and we simply wouldn’t have space for them,” said Lisa Dennison. “One thing that would be tremendously helpful would be a run-in shed for our front paddock which would help expand our capacity for horses.” Ms. Dennison said that anyone wishing to donate a run-in shed, used or new, should contact Steve Sprowl, Cruelty Investigator @ (603) 772-2921, x111. 

The NHSPCA is asking for the community’s help in caring for the ten horses. Those wishing to help with the care, medical treatment, and recuperation of their beautiful horses can make a tax deductible contribution to the NHSPCA.  Donations should be directed to the SOS Fund via the web site at www.nhspca.org, by phone at (603) 772-2921, x105 or by mail to SOS Fund, PO Box 196, Stratham NH 03885.  

© Photo credited to New Hampshire SPCA