Neglected Horses Recovering At Aiken SPCA

Neglected Horses Recovering At Aiken SPCA (Added: May 24, 2011)

Two horses are recovering at the Aiken SPCA after officials say they were neglected by their owner. WJBF News Channel 6's Kait Rayner has the story. (more)

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Neglected Horses Recovering At Aiken SPCA

Two horses are recovering at the Aiken SPCA after officials say they were neglected by their owner. WJBF News Channel 6's Kait Rayner has the story.

By: Kait Rayner | WJBF News Channel 6
Published: May 24, 2011

Aiken, SC --

Two horses are recovering at the Aiken SPCA after officials say they were neglected by their owner.

It’s taking some time, but slowly these two horses are adjusting to their new home at the Aiken SPCA. They arrived here last week, after a county worker spotted them wandering in the streets of Wagener.

Gary Willoughby, Aiken SPCA director: “The mare was underfed and wandering. The foal was in much worse shape, she was extremely thin. Luckily, somebody found her wandering; otherwise, she may not have been around much longer.”

Shelter workers are taking care of them until they find a new home. Prospective adoptive owners like Jamie Sturgill and her husband come here to look, but say they’re not sure if they’re ready to take them home.

Jamie Sturgill, horse lover: “It makes me sad, it does. It makes me sad for them that they have to live like this...that people don’t try to find a different solution, as to just not feeding them or being able to take care of them."

Willoughby: “It’s not something for a casual pet owner to take on lightly. It’s a big responsibility.”

Officials say horse neglect is growing problem in South Carolina. While there are only two at the Aiken SPCA, the Equine Rescue of Aiken is home to more than 60.

Jim Rhodes, Equine Rescue of Aiken: “We get calls daily...at least one call a day or two calls a day with somebody wanting to get rid of a horse or needing to get rid of a horse. We don’t have any room, we’re full.”

Director Jim Rhodes says the problem is getting worse, and it may be because of the economy.

Rhodes: “The price of hay, the price of feed, the price of gas, the economy, the lack of jobs, the layoffs...you know, horses are people’s fun or entertainment, so they’re the first to go or the first to be neglected.”

One owner’s neglect becomes the shelter’s burden. There, they work to rehabilitate the horses and can only hope to one day find them permanent homes.

Again, shelter workers warn that taking care of a horse is a huge responsibility, but if you’re interested in adoption, contact the Aiken SPCA.