Our year end statistics are out. In 2013 we saved 355 equines (mostly horses,) 242 fowl (mostly roosters,) 29 sheep and goats, 9 rabbits, 3 pigs, 2 dogs and 2 guinea pigs. We couldn’t have done all that without you! We almost rescued 1 horse every day. What a huge year!
Out of the 193 animals, mostly horses, surrendered directly into the Last Act of Kindness program, we were able to rehab and adopt into loving homes 22 of them. We are so thankful that we have this program as most of the horses brought into this program have no other options other than die a slow, lingering painful death or be shipped to slaughter. Each horse surrendered into the Last Act of Kindness program is evaluated for its quality of life, and if its prognosis is good, it is rehabbed and placed into the adoption program.
We had 77 animals, mostly horses, surrendered directly into the adoption program. All of them were adopted, with the exception of 2, who were evaluated by our vet and he recommended euthanasia due to chronic medical problems.
We rescued 135 horses directly from the slaughter pipeline. 69 of them were rescued in such terrible state that the Last Act of Kindness was the only loving, humane thing we could do for them. It’s amazing how people dump horses at auctions that need to be humanely euthanized due to chronic pain and failing health due to old age. It’s so sad that auctions enable owners to dump animals instead of being responsible for them in the end. 66 of the slaughter bound horses were successfully rehabbed and placed into absolutely wonderful homes!
Our estimated financial year end report is up, to see it bigger, click on the graph. Please note this is an estimate, please refer to our 990 form on Guidestar once it is up. Our average for rescuing, rehabilitating and adopting each animal was about $305, which includes our lease, staffing, fuel, vet, feed, sheltering, etc etc. If we had the budget of the Humane Society of the United States (which we are not affiliated with) we would have rescued about 438,000 animals… That would mean NO horse would be sold for slaughter in the United States, and we could start working on our neighboring countries. Only about 120,000 horses are slaughtered annually from the United States, and in the realm of things, it would not be that costly to provide every horse a home or if needed, the Last Act of Kindness.
Monday we had an adopter come wanting to adopt some pet roosters to add to their farm.
Soon the roosters were in the crate ready to travel to their new home. They had some friends stop by to say “Bye” to them and wish them happy travels, and the possibly crowed “He’s a Jolly Good Fella” to them as they left.
Tawnee headed out to pick up 2 horses that were being surrendered into the Last Act of Kindness program.
Meanwhile Kirsty was busy working with the horses in the round pen. Jill was being put through her paces.
Jill is learning to accept a person on her back and stand quietly.
Tawnee arrived safely back and got the two horses settled. It was definitely a beautiful evening.
Kirsty adopted little Fuzzball, the rooster she trained and everyone fell in love with.
Joy was going to get some tying lessons.
Shadow decided to come visit her while Joy was standing patiently.
Shadow was than a little friendly and got right up close and personal, telling her in cow language how she should stand while she was tied.
Next Shadow examined her pose while standing tied. We don’t think that Joy will be scared of cows ever in her life.
Domino was getting his saddling under scary bags and tarps training. Kirsty does a lot of desensitization so when you are out on a trail ride with your adoptive horse, the horse should care less about scary plastic.
Domino did very good with his lessons and we hope to have him on his first trail ride soon.
Bonnie is such a gorgeous girl. She needs a special home too. She is 2 years old, and pregnant. She was rounded up the reservation, dumped at a slaughter auction in Nevada, and we rescued her there. She is trained to lead and is absolutely beautiful. We would love to get her into a loving home where she can settle down before she gives birth in the spring.
Splash is coming along nicely with her riding lessons. Notice Kirsty is wearing a helmet. Our Board of Directors put down the helmet law for anyone riding at the shelter, no matter your age.
Splash is a great little horse. She is mellow and easy going, and has a nice stocky build. If you are interested in adopting any of the animals in this blog, or to see all of our available animals, click here.
Thank you all for your support!