For Immediate Release
For more information
Jennifer Williams, President Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society
Email: info@bluebonnetequine.org
Phone: (888) 542 5163
www.bluebonnetequine.org
Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society (BEHS) is a non-profit, animal rescue organization that works with law enforcement officers to investigate reports of neglect of horses, donkeys and mules. On Saturday, August 12, 2006, Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society received a request from the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Department to help a deputy investigate a report of neglect. What the BEHS volunteers found was appalling: 27 horses and a donkey, several of which were in need of immediate intervention to save their lives. The organization also found skeletal remains of horses. Volunteers returned the following day along with a veterinarian to meet with the owner and discuss the horses. The owner surrendered the emaciated donkey jack, an injured filly, and four emaciated mares.
Those horses and the donkey are currently at a veterinarian’s office undergoing medical treatment. They will soon be moved into foster homes to complete their rehabilitation and in a few months, they will be seeking foster homes. Unfortunately, these horses are only the tip of a large iceberg. Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society currently has about 15-20 more neglect cases in Arkansas, and they need to remove more neglected horses from their owners. However, the organization’s resources are running thin and they need the help of horse enthusiasts and animal lovers across the state.
So how can people help?
- Foster! If you have space for even one more horse, please become a foster home. Foster homes are the heart of the organization – they rehabilitate the horses and give them a second chance at life. BEHS also runs a mentoring program that pairs up new foster homes with those who are experienced at rehabilitating horses. The experienced foster homes guide and instruct new foster homes so that they can learn how to help the horses who need them.
- Adopt! If you are considering adding another horse to your family, look at the rescue horses. BEHS has many who are broke to ride and others who are at a perfect age to start training. There are talented horses who can become your next ranch horse, trail horse, or even show horse. And if all you want is a pet/companion, the rescue has those, too.
- Join! By becoming a member, you support the work of BEHS. Your membership fee helps BEHS run the rescue and pay the vet bills for these horses as well as the cost of performing seizures and investigations.
- Volunteer! BEHS needs people who can help investigate neglect (they provide training), help check out potential foster/adoptive homes, check up on the organization’s horses, work at fundraisers, find donations, and more. If you have the time, the rescue can find a volunteer spot for you.
- Donate! BEHS needs hay, grain, de-wormers, halters, leads, etc. for these and other horses. The organization also needs money to help pay vet bills and the costs of investigating neglect. If you have used or new tack you don’t need, you can donate that for the organization to sell and raise additional money. All donations are tax-deductible as BEHS is a 501c3.
BEHS President Jennifer Williams says, “At BEHS, we need your help. But even more importantly, there are hundreds of horses, donkeys and mules who need your help. Together, we can make a difference. Become part of the Bluebonnet Family and become part of the solution.”
For more information on Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society, visit the organization’s website at www.bluebonnetequine.org or call (888) 542 5163.