Cache Valley has growing unwanted horse problem

FROM: Associated Press

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 says 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 says used to take the animals in.

But these days Lewis says “nay” more often than “yay.” The facility’s capacity is 30 horses. Lewis is currently boarding 33 to 35 horses with five for sale a “rock-bottom” prices.

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

Information from: The Herald Journal, http://www.hjnews.com