12 February 2007

For Immediate Release
For more information:

Jennifer Williams Ph.D., Executive Director, Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society
Email: jenn@bluebonnetequine.org
Phone: (888) 542 5163
www.bluebonnetequine.org

(February 12, 2007, Franklin, Texas) After seizing approximately 25 horses and 100 cattle from a Robertson county property, Robertson County Sheriff’s Deputies called Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society (BEHS) late last week to ask for their assistance with the horses. Deputies first investigated the case after receiving complaints of dead animals visible from the road. They found several dead cattle and two dead horses on the property. Due to the number of animals involved, Robertson County officials knew they needed assistance, and BEHS Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Williams said the organization was pleased to be able to help. “Our goal is to make life easier for the authorities when it comes to horse neglect cases. We’ll help investigate reports of neglect, try to teach the owners to take care of their horses when possible or take the horses in after they’ve been permanently removed from their owners – whatever the authorities need.”

BEHS is a 501(c)(3) organization incorporated as a non-profit in both Texas and Arkansas. They work throughout both states to help the authorities help abused and starving horses, donkeys and mules BEHS has about seventy-five horses that they are currently rehabilitating as well as about 30 horses available for adoption to approved homes. The organization is also investigating over 30 neglect cases, and Dr. Williams is certain the rescue will be called upon to help more horses in the near future.

When asked why the organization was so busy, Dr. Williams responded, “Winter is always a tough time for horses. The grass dries up and some owners don’t realize that the horses need hay and grain. We can teach those owners how to take care of their horses, but some owners aren’t willing to feed enough to keep the animals healthy. If the horses are suffering, we have to step in.”

BEHS is funded through donations and fundraisers put on by volunteers, but due to persistent need the organization’s resources are always stretched. In this case, BEHS is collaborating with True Blue Animal Rescue (TBAR), a 501(c)(3) rescue helping both horses and dogs in Brenham, Texas. TBAR’s founder and President, Melanie DeAeth, quickly agreed to take half of the horses. When asked why she agreed to help Bluebonnet, Melanie said, “Two rescues working together is a great way to show how many rescues there are and how many horses need help.”

Both organizations rely on volunteers for help, and there are several ways that horse enthusiasts can help neglected horses:

  • Foster! If you have space for even one more horse, please become a foster home. Foster homes are the heart of both organizations – 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 want another horse, consider opening your home to a rescue. Both organizations have many horses 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 you the space, there are always “pet” horses who just need a place to live and someone to love.
  • 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! Both BEHS and TBAR need people who can help investigate neglect (BEHS provides training), help check out potential foster/adoptive homes, check up on the organization’s horses, raise funds, and more. If you have the time, either rescue can find a volunteer spot for you.
  • Donate! It takes months of rehabilitation for starved horses to recover, and during that time they run up veterinary bills, farrier bills and feed bills. The rescues need money to help care for the horses, 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 and TBAR are both 501(c)(3) organizations.

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 about Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society, please visit www.bluebonnetequine.org, call the 888 542 5163 or email Dr. Williams at jenn@bluebonnetequine.org. For more information about True Blue Animal Rescue, visit http://www.tbar.org, call 936/878-2349.