Oct 8, 2009 5:04 pm US/Eastern
Record Number Of Horses Up For Adoption
QUINCY (WBZ) ―
A therapeutic riding center in Quincy is closing its doors because of financial difficulties, and turning its horses over to the MSPCA. Ten horses were given to the organization Wednesday.
The MSPCA says the animals are in very good shape, and because they were used for lessons with children, could make great pets for families.
Karin Johnson, the MSPCA's Large Animal Care and Adoption Counselor, says the horses look great and should be ready for adoption soon.
"These guys, compared to what we normally see, they're actually in great shape. They've got great personalities so hopefully once we get the evaluation process going we'll be able to adopt them out quickly," she said.
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With these ten horses, the MSPCA has more horses than ever looking for new homes, and they're not even into the tough winter season yet. Because of the economy, the MSPCA says more and more horse owners are unable to keep their animals, because they are so expensive to care for.
MSPCA spokesperson Brian Adams says they have taken in a record number of horses, and are expecting many more.
"I can't remember a year that's been like this. This is a lot of horses to put it bluntly."
He explains how tough its been for owners.
"Right now there are alot of things working against horse owners. It was a really bad haying summer, so with all the rain that season was shortened quite a bit. The price of a bail of hay has gone up quite significantly, so that's another strain being put on horse owners, and we're really just at the tip of the ice berg for the surrender season as well."
In 2007, 21 horses were surrendered to the MSPCA. In 2008, 39 horses were surrendered. And already this year, 59 horses have been turned over.
It costs the MSPCA $320 a month at a minimum to care for the horses. They are not state or federally funded, and do not turn away any animals.
The horses from Quincy are now being evaluated.
"We'll let them settle in for a week or so, get to know their personalities, make sure their medical stuff is taken care of. Then they should be ready to be adopted."
Horses cost between 600 and several thousand dollars to adopt. Interested people must show pictures of their property, and experience with horses. The MSPCA has more than 30 horses ready to be adopted now.
"If you're interested in adopting, give us a call, or you can stop by. We have a lot of horses that need homes, most likely we can find something that fits," said Johnson.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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