May 3, 2009

Humane Groups Join Forces to Aid Horses in Need -
Equine Education Workshop and Open House Planned for
Saturday, May 16th, from 11 am to 2 pm

Contact Persons: 

Lori Wilson, Director, Rescue Ranch, (504) 818-6120
Jeff Dorson, Director, Humane Society of Louisiana (901) 268-4432

(Belle Chasse, LA) - - The Humane Society of Louisiana and Rescue Ranch have joined forces recently to respond to several horse abuse complaints. As a result, the two groups agreed to host a joint Equine Education Workshop to educate people about the proper care and upkeep of horses.

Since the beginning of Spring, the Humane Society of Louisiana has received more than a dozen complaints pertaining to the neglect and starvation of horses throughout the state.  Two weeks ago, the group received a tip concerning an ailing horse that had a rope deeply embedded in his neck. With the help of Lori Wilson, Director of Rescue Ranch, the horse was located, removed, and treated by a veterinarian.  Charges against the owner, who works offshore, are expected to be filed within the next few weeks.

Just last week, Lori Wilson accompanied Jeff Dorson, Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana, as they traveled to Thibodaux to inspect horses at a small stable outside city limits.  The two examined five horses and found all of them to be malnourished and in various states of neglect.  The group left instructions for the owner and has asked the parish sheriff's department to monitor the horses' progress.

"We are concerned about the high number of calls we are getting involving horses and other hooved animals. It appears that the deteriorating economy is causing some horse owners to cut back on feed and stop providing adequate medical care for their animals," says Jeff Dorson. "Based on the number of calls we are receiving, it is a situation that appears to be worsening," he adds.

To help educate individuals on the proper care and upkeep of equines, the 1 1/2 hour course will cover the nutritional needs of horses, exercise requirements, and overall ealth issues related to equines.

The workshop will include a tour of Rescue Ranch, a riding academy and rehabilitation center, and it is also part of an open house reception scheduled for Saturday, May 16th, from 11 am to 2 pm.

The registration fee for the workshop is $15.00, which includes refreshments and handouts. Scholarships to cover the cost of the workshop are also available. Call 1-888-6-humane to apply for a scholarship workshop registration.

What:

Equine Education Workshop and Open House Reception

Where:

Rescue Ranch
10913 Hwy 23
Belle Chasse (located at the old River Oaks Academy School)

(504) 818-6120

When:

Saturday, May 16th, from 11 am to 2 pm. 
Workshop will be held from noon to 1: 30pm.

To assist with the rehabilitation of abused horses, donations can be sent to

Rescue Ranch
P.O.  Box  7112
Belle Chasse, Louisiana, 70037

or to the

Humane Society of Louisiana
P.O. Box 740321
New Orleans, LA 70174
For more information, call 1-888-6-humane.