Local horse owners are taking action after a spike in horse neglect due to the downturn of the economy.
Last August, Animal Control officers removed a horse from a farm in Northern Kentucky after finding her and her colt suffering from lack of food and water.
"I would say within a few weeks, she was near death," said Jim Mayer with the
Northern Kentucky Horse Network.
Jim Mayer has worked for months to bring the horses back to life.
"It's just that the economy is so bad. Look at all the people who have lost their jobs in the United States, and it's going to get worse, and these types of the animals are going to suffer," said Mayer.
Horse neglect is becoming a growing problem, and animal rescues are having a hard time keeping up.
"The rescues that are out here in our state probably 12 to 15, they are all full. Its not a simple problem that you go and get them, put them in a rescue, and they get adopted out. They are at capacity," said Anna Zinkhon with the Northern Kentucky Horse Network.
To help find a solution, local horse enthusiasts started The Northern Kentucky Horse Network.
Volunteers work together to provide temporary housing for rescued horses.
"We would like people to be aware there are a lot of horses in dire need in the U.S. There is no one thing to point the finger at and blame it on, but the fact remains we have to stop the suffering," said Zinkhon.
"We're not here for the money. We knew going in we may not get anything back. We just want a good home for these horses," said Mayer.
The Northern Kentucky Horse Network has a motto of three simple words, "promote, protect and educate."
Their long term goal is to get local lawmakers on board to pass tougher laws when it comes to horse abuse.
The Pendleton Equine Assistance Committee is also working with the Horse Network.
If you would like to apply to become an equine foster, call (859)472-5400.
