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Posted on 04/22/2009 12:09:59 AM PDT by Chet 99
by Gus Burns | The Saginaw News Tuesday April 21, 2009, 11:19 AM
Two years ago, the Saginaw Valley Equine Clinic in Freeland often paid more than $500 for mares to use as surrogates.
Now, the market has dropped so low that owner Dr. Brad T. Cumper gets mares for free. He even screens them.
"People are happy that we'll take them and feed them and give them a job," the veterinarian said.
The price of hay and bedding in the strained economy have evaporated the market for some horses, leading to growing desperation among some owners who can't maintain their animals' upkeep.
It costs about $2,000 a year to feed and care for a horse, up from about $1,200 in 2007, before hay prices spiked, said Karen L. Waite, an equine specialist with the Michigan State University Extension.
Owners in Allegan County turned loose two saddled horses with notes attached stating, "I can't afford to keep them anymore. Please give them a good home," said Waite, 42.
People are having trouble giving horses away in this market, she said, while cases of horses neglect are increasing.
Euthanizing and disposing of a horse costs $400 to $600, she said, too much for some owners even if they were willing to do so.
Some people become desperate and release their horses on state land, where they eventually "suffer and starve to death," said Cumper, 33. Others just "stop feeding them," he said.
"Some of the horses are suffering," Cumper said.
(Excerpt) Read more at mlive.com ...
viande de cheval?
chevaline?
Very sad. I wish we could exchange or give away for free this Kenyan donkey that was last seen galloping away with more than a trillion dollars.
Do you want your mare rare or scallions with the stallion?
Belmont Steaks?
Mares and ponies hardest hit.
Veggieburgers or Phony Pony. Maybe Dine on Fine Equine.
If you would like to be added or dropped from the Michigan ping list, please freepmail me.
I have a very hectic 4-5 days coming up, so I apologize in advance if pings get a little slipshod.
I think I read about this, Gallup took a poll of horse owners...
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