e-HAHS: Hooved Animal Humane Society

Updated April 6, 2005

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e-HAHS, the electronic newsletter of the Hooved Animal Humane Society April 1, 2005 Volume 4, Issue 4
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**In the News: Update on federal legislation to save the wild horses and burros
**Events: Unwanted Horse Summit
**Animal of the Month: Missy, Kenny and Dolly
**Horse Health: Parasite control
**Links: United States Congress
**How to Help: Adopt-A-Table
**FAQ: Can I lease one of your horses?

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**In the News: Update on federal legislation to save the wild horses and burros

According to the Society for Animal Protective Legislation, the "Father of the Senate" once again comes to the aid of America's wild horses. Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV), the longest serving Member of Congress, introduced S. 576 "to restore the prohibition on the commercial sale and slaughter of wild free-roaming horses and burros," wrongly removed in the closing hours of the last Congress.

Senator Byrd, an original co-sponsor of the 1959 Wild Horse Annie Act and the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, joins his colleagues in the House of Representatives with the introduction of this companion bill to H.R. 297. In February, Representative Nick Rahall (D-WV), ranking member of the House Resources Committee, and Representative Ed Whitfield
(R-KY) introduced H.R. 297.

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**Events: Unwanted Horse Summit

Bringing together the equine industry's major organizations for the first time to address the issue of unwanted horses, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) will host a one-day Unwanted Horse Summit on Tuesday, April 19 during the American Horse Council's annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

A broad spectrum of leading industry organizations representing breed groups, sport and discipline organizations, rescue and retirement facilities, veterinary associations and welfare groups, including the Hooved Animal Humane Society, has been confirmed to take part in the April 19 Summit.

The Summit, which will be a professionally facilitated meeting, will focus on issues such as responsible horse ownership and breeding, long-term care options and affordable and accessible means of humane euthanasia. While participation in the Summit is open only to invited organizations, an educational session on the morning of April 19 will provide an overview of issues affecting the unwanted horse population. This session is open to anyone attending the American Horse Council's annual meeting. A report regarding the Summit's discussion and next steps will be available to the public following the event.

To register for the April 19 educational session, contact the American Horse Council at 202-296-4031. For more information about the Unwanted Horse Summit, contact Sally Baker in the AAEP office at 859-233-0147.

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**Animal of the Month: Missy, Kenny and Dolly

Back in the summer of '04, HAHS assisted with the relinquishment of a small herd of horses that had first gotten loose then were neglected. Rod Stewart, a mini stallion, and Maggie Mae, a Belgian mare, came to HAHS and were soon adopted. Missy, a 13-year-old pregnant mini mare and her yearling daughter Dolly went to a foster home at that time. Now HAHS owns and is placing up for adoption Missy, Dolly, and baby Kenny, who is eight months old and weaned. If you are interested in the minis or in any of the horses up for adoption, contact the office at 815-337-5563 or info@hahs.org.

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**Horse Health: Parasite control

According to a press release from Fort Dodge Animal Health, springtime is the optimal time for equine deworming.

"Plain and simple, spring deworming is essential to maintaining healthy horses," said Dr. John Tuttle, a veterinarian and manager of Professional Services for Fort Dodge Animal Health. "If a horse is not dewormed early in the spring and kept on a regular deworming schedule, microscopic parasites can invade the animal's digestive system and cause a wide range of problems including poor performance, weight loss, organ damage or even death." While there are several types of parasitic worms that are cause for concern, foremost among these life-threatening invaders are the small strongyles.

"They have been termed 'Parasite Public Enemy #1' because they are the most common - affecting virtually every horse - and have the potential to cause the most devastation," reported Tuttle. Large numbers of encysted small strongyles can suddenly and unexpectedly emerge from the intestinal wall, releasing into the horse's system metabolic excretory products that the larvae have been producing within the cyst. According to parasitologists, the release of these dangerous toxins can cause a variety of intestinal problems,
including: diarrhea, anemia, severe and rapid weight loss, colic, fever and even death.

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**How to Help: Adopt-A-Table

Know anybody who might appreciate a custom made walnut table? This 98 X 42 table (including two 18 inch leaves) would look great in a dining room or board room. "Adoption" fee negotiable. Contact the office for more information at 815-337-5563 or info@hahs.org.

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**Links: United States Congress

Use www.congress.org to identify the names and contact information of your U.S. Senators and Representatives as well as look for bills that have been introduced during the current session. The website also allows users to search for state legislators and even local elected officials. Plus, there's a section called "Capitol Hill Basics" to assist first-timers with appropriate language when writing or calling a legislator.

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**FAQ: Can I lease a horse from HAHS?

Q: I was just wondering if you let kids in 4-H lease a horse from there to use for the summer?

A: When horses are adopted from HAHS, it's intended to be a permanent move. We call adopters "forever homes." Since our horses have lived pretty tough lives until now, we want them to learn to love and trust just one person or family from now on. That way, they never have to worry about when the next meal is coming or when they might have to move again.

And while it might seem like a good idea to place a rescued horse in a private home for even a few months--so they can receive that vital one-on-one care--usually the horses we impound are not broke to ride. In fact, some of them don't even have basic ground manners. Often the first time they see a halter is when they come to us. At least in the beginning, this type of horse needs an experienced handler to put them on the right track and not get anyone or anything injured in the process.