The vast majority of horse owners breed, use and care for their horses responsibly, whether they own them for showing, racing, recreation or other purposes. But in today's economic climate, an increasing number of Michigan's 155,000 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules can no longer be cared for. Their owners simply cannot afford to feed them. Some try to donate their animals but, in desperation, may leave them to fend for themselves as a last resort. It's a nationwide problem.
There is no "one size fits all" solution for every animal and owner. The nationwide Unwanted Horse Coalition was formed to determine the scope of the problem and develop solutions.
In Michigan, equine industry representatives have discussed options for caring for animals and gathered educational resources for distressed owners. They developed this web page to provide information to help Michigan equine owners get through their economic challenges.
Options are listed below, in alphabetical order, with no one option taking preference over another. Check this page often for updates.
Body Condition Scoring
How to Body Condition Score Horses
Lesson on how to rate the physical condition of horses
County-Based Humane Organizations
Cheboygan County Humane Society
1536 Hackleburg Road
Cheboygan, MI 49721-9121
(231) 238-8221
cchs@freeway.net
Disposal Issues
The "Bodies of Dead Animals" rules allow for on-farm composting of dead animals and animal tissue within a structure, in open piles, windrows and contained vessels. These alternatives help producers who don't have access to rendering services, licensed landfills that accept dead animals, or appropriate soil types for proper burial.
Donation Opportunities
Donate My Horse
Donation and adoption
Euthanasia Options
Euthanasia: The Most Difficult Decision
From the American Association of Equine Practitioners
Hay Resources
Michigan Hay Listing Network
Find hay for sale in Michigan
Rescue Organizations
CANTER
Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses
Horses' Haven
For horses, ponies, donkeys and other large animals
(517) 548-4880
horseshaven2@aol.com
New Vocations
Racehorse adoption program
State Agencies
Michigan Farm Bureau
The Michigan Department of Agriculture's Animal Industry Division
The Animal Industry Division (AID) protects the health of people and domestic animals, livestock and pets. The state veterinarian manages programs in livestock and poultry disease and substances that are toxic to animals. The division works to wipe out animal disease, which helps in importing and exporting healthy livestock. These programs protect the food supply, which makes a major difference in human health and welfare. Some of the diseases that threaten Michigan livestock are tuberculosis (TB), eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), equine infectious anemia (EIA), pseudorabies, rabies and various toxicities.
Animal Welfare AID monitors the health and care of animals at licensed facilities including pet shops, animal control and protection shelters, and riding stables. AID works with local law-enforcement and animal-welfare agencies to investigate complaints of inhumane treatment of livestock and domestic animals.
The Animal Industry Division regulates riding stables and sale barns.
The Animal Industry Division regulates pet shops, dog pounds and animal shelters.