Windamere Horse Haven president David Mews says it is getting expensive to look after all their horses
© ABC Rural: Lucas Forbes
By Lucas Forbes
A fodder shortage is financially squeezing horse owners, forcing sanctuaries to turn away rescues, and causing concern in the RSPCA.
The drought and last year’s poor crop yields have meant farmers are battling to find enough hay to feed their own livestock, meaning high prices for hobby horse owners as well.
Windamere Horse Haven in the Adelaide Hills has shut its doors to new surrenders in all but the most extreme neglect cases, purely due to the cost of fodder.
“We can’t take any more horses; horses are a giveaway at the moment and you can’t give horses away let alone find a new home for them,” Windamere Horse Haven president David Mews said.
Mr Mews said this time last year the sanctuary received between three and four surrender enquiries a week, but they now were getting up to 14 per week.
“The hay failures of last year’s harvest mean supplies are extremely low,” he said…
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Source: ABC Rural News website
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