According to the Equine Protection Fund, calls to statewide animal cruelty hotlines reflect a dramatic increase in equines suffering neglect and cruelty, cases often difficult to remedy given the lack of humane options for these animals in our state. That’s why the Fund has launched a statewide volunteer network intended to supplement and build upon the programs administered by the Fund.
“Equine Protection Fund programs will be enormously magnified with the assistance of New Mexicans who care about the state of horses in their community,†said Phil Carter, Equine Protection Fund Coordinator, in a statement released by the Fund. “In the effort to redress equine suffering, money may be finite but we believe that compassion is not.â€
How You Can Help
An online survey for potential volunteers can be found here. The survey lists a variety of ways to offer assistance, including donations of land, shelter, supplies, and skills. “The opportunities to help a needy equine are nearly endless,†said Carter. “Anyone with the will can help.†After applying online, the volunteer will be contacted by an Equine Protection Fund representative who will help coordinate the equine assistance being offered and evaluate advocacy opportunities in the volunteer’s area.The Equine Protection Fund, a partnership between Animal Protection of New Mexico and the New Mexico Community Foundation, was created in 2009 in response to a dramatic increase in reports of cruelty and neglect involving equines. The Equine Protection Fund currently offers an Emergency Feed Assistance program, which temporarily subsidizes feed to needy horse owners, and will soon be launching gelding subsidies and other equine assistance programs.
One New Mexican with several equines was assisted by the Equine Protection Fund in conjunction with friends and neighbors. She shared her experience with Equine Protection Fund: “Doors opened that I wouldn’t have seen before. My neighbors (the best on the planet) worked for days and days and days, literally, from dawn ‘til night, helping me to pack, and helping me transport the horses. I have been moved by the generosity and greatness of humanity, and will ever remain humbled by it.â€
“Equines — horses, mules, and burros — have been and continue to be an integral component of New Mexican heritage,†said Carter. “It’s time for communities to give back to our equines.â€
For more information on the Equine Protection Fund, visit
http://EquineProtectionFund.org/. If you can’t volunteer or provide other assistance, you can still make a donation online. Every dollar counts. Please pass along this information to your friends, neighbors and family members who might be interested in getting involved or donating.
