NPR ran a story two days ago about the hay shortage in the South and the fact that many horses in that part of the country are being turned into rescue operations by people who can no longer afford to feed them. The lack of hay in the Southeast due to the continuing drought has pushed hay prices up to $9.00 a square bale, more than double last year's cost.
Often it is not only the cost of hay but the lack of it altogether that compound the issue. My sister, in Lexington, KY, alerted me to the story in their local paper this morning about the seizure of 70 malnourished horses from a farm near the Kentucky River. "Instead of seizing the animals, the government should help people by finding hay," the owner of the farm said.
The hay shortage in Kentucky is what prompted horse rescue organizations in that state to meet on Tuesday to determine a united, state-wide plan to deal with the crisis. I know Alex Brown attended that meeting and I, for one, am delighted to see such a spirit of cooperation among state-wide rescue groups.
My initial and very superficial investigation into the horse rescue movement has taught me that not all rescues are created equal. Suffice it to say that some people have more experience than others in caring for horses that often need more than just food and water to thrive. It is an expensive and lifelong undertaking for those who are devoted to the cause, and the concept of a state-wide network of rescues working together does more for the cause of horse rescue than individual, splintered groups, working in their own little universes.
What about taking it a step farther and requiring those in the state horse rescue umbrella organization to abide by standards of care for the horses they rescue, including random inspections by a board of overseers? I know, I know, few have the time or resources to undertake this effort but I have to believe that Kentucky could pave the way in this endeavor, setting the bar high for other states to follow.
It seems to me that if everyone who was truly serious about the cause of equine welfare put the welfare of the horse front and center, this would be a no-brainer.
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In an effort to try and help in this regard, USERL has compiled a list of websites that list hay for sale, as well as to list alternative forages to help supplement your hay supply. As with any feed change, USERL strongly recommends that you speak with your veterinarian before making any changes to your feeding program
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