Missouri: Expert to speak on unwanted horse issue.

Slaughter opponents contend all of the abandoned horse stories are fabricated, made up by those "few" who want slaughter reinstated. What do you think?

Equine expert talks about unwanted horse problem, Aug. 18 [link]

Soaring costs of feed, fuel and hay have worsened the problem of unwanted and abandoned horses in Missouri and across the nation. Veterinarian Tom Lenz will explore the problem in an Aug. 18 talk at the Animal Science Research Center (ASRC) on the University of Missouri campus. "Because of the closing of horse slaughtering facilities and cost-related factors, there has been an increase in unwanted horses pretty much all over the United States," said Dee Cooper, MU Extension livestock specialist and program organizer.

Lenz, a 1975 graduate of the MU College of Veterinary Medicine and past president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, will discuss the types of horse that become unwanted, the reasons they become unwanted and possible solutions. His talk will cover euthanasia, carcass disposal, rescue and retirement options, and the efforts of the Unwanted Horse Coalition.

The problem hits close to home in Missouri, which ranks third in the nation in equine numbers. "Recently, a southwest Missouri farmer went to a sale barn to collect a horse, and when he went to load, his trailer was full. Someone stuck horses in there that they didn't want," Cooper said. "It is clear that people are becoming desperate. This topic is very important for everyone to be aware of." The program also will feature Marci Jennings, MU Extension equine specialist and instructor, who will provide information and answer questions about the MU equine program.

XP