Unwanted horse problem grows

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LOGAN, Utah (AP) -- Cache County equine experts say a growing population of unwanted horses has become a major issue across the Cache valley.

University of Utah Extension veterinarian Kerry Rood said the closing of several horse processing facilities has left more animals abandoned and abused. A dip in the economy has also forced some families to choose between feeding themselves or the horse.

USU's equine facility manager Rebecca Lewis used to take the animals in.

But these days Lewis says "nay" more often than "yay." The facility's capacity is 30 horses, but Lewis is currently boarding a fluctuating 33 to 35 daily. Five horses are for sale a "rock-bottom" prices, she said.

Each year some horses are abandoned on Bureau of Land Management parcels. Rood said owners mistakenly think the animals will easily adapt and join a band of other horses.

That's a "pipe dream," said Rood. Most animals found by the BLM are low in body weight because they've been unable to find adequate food.

"We're developing a real crisis," Rood said.

Rood said the BLM will not hold its annual wild horse roundup this year because the agency can't take in any more animals. Recently, the agency was granted permission to euthanize horses in holding facilities, Rood said.

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