Horse rescue groups overwhelmed

Pet ownership is becoming more of a challenge in a tough economy, and horses may be among the animals suffering the most.

Half a dozen horses have been seized by Hernando County Animal Services and equine rescue groups say they are overwhelmed with pleas for help.

The bottom line is horse ownership is expensive.

Unlike dogs and cats, the vast majority of horses do not live with the family that adopts them. They need large pastures in which to run.

Then there is the food: a bale of hay can run up to $75, and it wont last long.

"Phoenix' is one example of a horse that is being taken care of at the Ohana Horse Rescue in rural Pasco County. He is extremely skinny, his ribs protrude from his sides, and his hip bones stick sharply into the air. He looked a lot worse when he got to the facility five weeks ago.

"He was skin and bones his face, you could see all the veins in his face, but he is coming along quite well," according to the rescue director, who asked that her name not be used, or the location of the rescue made public.

Phoenix may be one of the lucky ones. Veterinarians who specialize in equine health are worried.

"Right now there are not enough rescue groups," according to Dr. Emily Weaver, of the Odessa Equine Clinic. "There are an overwhelming number of unwanted horses that need homes."

The economy makes it difficult to care for horses. Unlike dogs and cats, most horses must be boarded, and feed is expensive.

Since the end of October, nearly a half dozen horses have been seized by Hernando County Animal Services. Those that survive have a long road to recovery.

"It's going to be at least six months to get them back to where they're going to look normal," Dr. Weaver cautioned.

No one knows exactly how many horses may be neglected in Pasco and Hernando counties. But rescue groups say they do know one thing: they are overwhelmed. "It's getting worse and worse," Ohana's director said. "A year ago it wasn't this bad. Three weeks ago, I had 12 horses. It's just getting worse every day."

If you would like to help Ohanna, visit http://www.ohanarescue.com/