“Unwanted Horses “Topic of Minnesota Foundation for Responsible Animal Care Annual Meeting Dr. Tom R. Lenz, DVM (pictured)

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Dr. Tom R. Lenz, DVM, past president, American Association Equine Practitioners, was the keynote speaker for the annual meeting of Minnesota Foundation for Responsible Animal Care (Mn FRAC). Dr. Lenz, Louisburg, Kansas addressed the topic "The Unwanted Horse." His presentation was sponsored by The American Quarter Horse Association. This organization along with others in the equine industry is working to bring attention to core issues that contribute to the number of unwanted horses in the United States.

Dr. Lenz discussed the issues surrounding the care of unwanted horses in the United States. What is an "unwanted horse"? According to Dr. Lentz, unwanted horses represent a group of horses within the domestic equine population that are no longer needed or useful, or their owners are no longer interested in or capable of providing financial or physical care. In many cases the horses are infirm or dangerous, they may be old, sick, have behavior problems or fail to meet their owners expectations. What is not known about "unwanted horses" is the breeds represented, age, purebred vs. grade breeding, most recent use or occupation and current value.

Current options for "unwanted horses" are change of use, rescue/retirement facilities, adoption, and donations to teaching hospitals, abandonment, neglect or euthanasia. Some unwanted horses are sent to a processing facility. Fewer are euthanized by a veterinarian and disposed of through rendering. Most are simply abandoned and left to die of natural causes.

"Slaughter is not the ideal solution," said Dr. Lenz, however, if a horse owner is unable or unwilling to provide humane care and no one is able to assume the responsibility, humane euthanasia by penetrating captive bolt (which is considered to be instant and trauma free) at an USDA regulated processing facility is an acceptable alternative to a life of suffering, inadequate care or abandonment. In addition to these advantages, the meat is utilized as food for zoo animals and in some European countries as safe and valued meat for human consumption.

A legislative effort (H.R. 503 currently in the U.S. Congress) would ban the transportation and sale of horses for slaughter for human consumption and other purposes. While this legislation is well intentioned, limitations of funding and infrastructure do not adequately address the greater problem.

Dr. Lenz identified four questions that need to be answered: Does the horse industry believe there is a problem? What is the role of the horse industry in solving the problem? Are surpluses caused by over production? What do we mean by "responsible"?

There is a clear need for the equine industry to work together to define and address the core issues that contribute to the number of unwanted horses in the U.S. To mobilize key stakeholders, the American Association of Equine Practitioners sponsored an Unwanted Horse Summit in 2005 to begin generating far-reaching and practical solutions. From this meeting action plans that address such issues as increased long-term care options and funding, responsible ownership, conditions of sale and transport and retaining euthanasia options for unwanted horses.

"Education is key," Dr. Lenz stated, "this is where groups such as MnFRAC can help. Educating horse owners on responsible ownership, proper care and results of haphazard breeding, and costs of horse ownership is an example of pro-active programs that can have positive impact to prevent "unwanted horse" problems."

Following Dr. Lenz’s presentation, Drew Fitzpatrick of Minnesota Hooved Animal Rescue Foundation explained the rescue program sponsored by this organization.

The Hooved Animal Rescue Foundation is one of many facilities in the United States where "unwanted horses" are taken for rehabilitation and thenadopted out to responsible owners.

According to Dr. Lenz, limitations of funds, staffing, and available facilities only allow these kinds of programs to handle about 6,000 horses a year, which is a small percentage of the estimated 120,000 "unwanted horses" in the United States per year.

Dakota Premium Foods, LLC, South St. Paul provided lunch. At the annual business meeting Dr. Tom Hagerty, past Executive Secretary of Minnesota Board of Animal Health, Buffalo, was elected president. Other officers elected were: Vice-President, Dr. Peter Poss D.V.M., representing the Poultry Industry, Willmar, secretary, Wayne Edgerton, Minnesota DNR Ag Policy Director, St. Paul, and treasurer, Dr. Elden Lamprecht, D.V.M., St. Paul. Past presidents Steve Cortinas, Vice President of Operations and Plant Manager, Dakota Premium Foods, LLC and Jan Albrecht, dairy farmer, member at large, Watertown and Don Louwagie, farmer, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, Marshall were named to the executive board.

Newly appointed to the Board of Directors was Ton Helfter, beef producer, LeSueur representing the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association. Reappointed to the board for a three-year term were: Conrad Kvamme, Arlington, Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association, Dr. Elden Lamprecht, DVM, St. Paul, Dr. Brian Crooker, St. Paul, University of Minnesota Animal Science Department, Dr. Peter Poss, Willmar, Poultry Industries, Sandra Stokesbary, sheep producer, Hampton, Minnesota Lamb and Wool Producers, and Dr. Christy Ward, St. Paul, Minnesota Horse Council,

Don Louwagie, Marshall, Minnesota Soybean Association representative was awarded the President’s Award. Louwagie was cited for his attendance and commitment to the organization and contributions to on-going programs.

MnFRAC a state-wide non-profit organization representing Minnesota animal and crop producing groups educates the public about humane animal care and welfare and speaks out as a voice of reason in the debate of the role of animals in our culture. MNFRAC identifies and continues to monitor emerging trends and strategies that threaten the choices that owners have for the wellbeing and disposition of their animals. This annual meeting's featured "unwanted horse" issue may not appear relevant to many of our readers. However, the current attempt to legislate away owner options could be employed in any of our constituent industries. Each industry is responsible for addressing and mitigating their problem areas, like the "unwanted horse," as they are perceived by the general public.