Chris Rose of Channel 6 visits Abused Horse Shelter

by Clare Devine of Catherine McAuley High School

As most Maine citizens can attest, the country’s current economic crisis has spared very few. The cost of living has risen considerably for everyone, as the price of everything from gas to food has increased. This has forced many to make sacrifices, cut costs, and focus instead on the most basic necessities.

For abused and neglected horses, the basic necessities seem simple enough. Each of the 90 horses at South Windham’s Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals require daily portions of hay and grain. However, even animals are not exempt from the suffering economy. Much like the grocery bill for families across the state, the weekly cost of grain has increased from 300 dollars a week to a staggering 800 dollars, and the cost of hay has risen as well. This year, the Society’s operating budget will approach the 2,000,000 dollar mark, and its modest endowment has shrunk substantially. Aside from feeding costs, the horses other needs must be attended to and funded. On average, the annual cost of supporting a healthy horse is $5,000. The cost of supporting a horse that has suffered abuse and neglect, however, can be considerably higher. Intensive veterinary work is often needed, including shots and worming, and specialized farrier work must occur to repair painfully neglected hooves. The cost to haul an injured or malnourished horse to the New England Equine Medical & Surgical Center in Dover, New Hampshire is oftentimes necessary.  The work performed there is nothing short of miraculous, nonetheless, it does add to the cost of maintaining the animal.

On average, the Society takes in between ten and fifteen horses a year, though that number can certainly vary. The horses that come in are only those who have been seized by law enforcement in neglect or abuse cases. Due to limited capacity and means, the Society is unable to accept surrendered horses.

If the barn is at full capacity and a large-scale seizure occurs, the operation is expanded using foster barns. These barns foster a horse for six months, and pay for routine expenses. If any extra medical care is necessary, the Society will fund it. More often then not, these temporary homes turn into forever ones, leaving room for more mistreated horses to come to the Society and receive the help they need.

By clicking on this link, you may view a recent news story about the Society done by Chris Rose of WCSH Channel 6 television in Portland, Maine.

The MSSPA is a tax-exempt, 501(c) (3) and receives no federal, state or local funding. The Society is entirely funded by membership dues, donations, bequests, grants, and fund-raising activities. The Society does not charge for its services and seeks no reimbursement from any public source. The MSSPA provides more than one million dollars in serves, annually, to the tax payers of Maine and salvation to abused animals.