Humane Society of Huron Valley’s Farm Animal Fund Seeks Donors

By Jaci Nicols

Humane Society Huron Valley Development Director

Drought, hard economic times, and irresponsible ownership have created a dire situation for many local horses. Horse abuse cases have been on the rise and even well-intentioned owners are now struggling to care for their horses because of increasing costs.  

Horses have always been expensive to own, but we began to receive a greater number of complaints when the economy was on the decline. This year, however, hay prices are an estimated five times higher than 10 years ago and the price continues to rise because of the drought.

The winter will only be worse. Horse rescues, organizations we have relied on in the past during cruelty investigations, are filled passed capacity. The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is now finding itself in the position of having to house and care for abuse cases and offering assistance to desperate people needing help feeding their horses.  

“Horse cruelty is certainly not new," said Matt Schaecher, director of animal cruelty investigation and rescue. “But the number of investigations related to neglect and abuse of horses and other farm animals has been on the rise since 2011. It’s important that we do everything we can to help animals in immediate need and to assist struggling owners who will need help getting through the winter.”

Tanya Hilgendorf, executive director of HSHV, said rescuing farm animals poses an extra challenge due to the expense of housing and caring for animals who are already injured or malnourished.

“We really need the animal loving community to help us meet this new demand," she said.

For the first time in HSHV's history it has horses, taken from cruelty investigation cases that are available for adoption. More information about the three horses can be found online at HSHV.org, or call 734-662-5585.

Donations made by Oct. 15 will be doubled through a generous matching gift.  Animal lover and HSHV board member Susan Kornfield will match donations up to $5,000 if made within the next two weeks. Donations can be made online through the HSHV Farm Animal Aid Fund. 

The Humane Society of Huron Valley, located in Ann Arbor, was recently awarded the "Best Large Animal Shelter in Michigan” by the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance for saving the most lives. HSHV is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and relies solely on donations from businesses and individuals to support community programs.