In October, Rusty's Rescue Inc. was asked by Animal Control to care for 11 horses from an abuse neglect while the case was still pending due to lack of space and resources. Among them are two stallions and nine mares, some of whom were likely pregnant due to exposure. This has been our most significant rescue operation to date, and our hearts ache for these animals. The pictures we received were of the two stallions from this case, and they appeared emaciated and despondent. Our determination to be their beacon of hope is unwavering, but we are still in need of significant assistance.
Our rescue mission presented various challenges, with one of the most daunting being the inability to publicly fundraise for their case prior to their arrival and during the investigation. We took a leap of faith and with help of a new friend, we have been able to care for them while their case is still pending investigation, necessitating us to provide vital veterinary care and keep detailed records of their progress and likely abuse history. This meant refraining from any public fundraising efforts via social media or other channels.
They have been in our care now for 2 months and we have been given approval from Animal Control that we can publicly fundraise. During that time, we learned about their horrific past. Days before animal control seized them, a mom was found standing over her dead foal/. They were left to fend forth selves in his backyard to eat weeds with little to no water. they even broke a fence to eat weeds on the other side. Gladly, they are learning to trust, gaining weight, soon will build muscle and know they are safe.
A concerning scenario we've encountered in the past is cases being closed earlier than expected to make room for new ones. In such instances, we've had as little as 24 hours to find placements for the horses or face the dire prospect of euthanasia. Often, we have little time to assess them properly, making it a high-stakes decision. We have taken on such challenges before, rescuing horses under similar circumstances from one of the shelters dealing with these cases. However, we're not permitted to publicly fundraise for them until the cases are officially closed. So committing to animal control to save these horses and care for them while they were still under investigation allowed us to off comprehensive care animal control doesnt have the resources to carry out. It also kept space open for strays to come in and have time to be reunited, successfully adopted out or time for rescues to network and save them.
Moreover, we stand as one of the few rescues in our area that accept stallions. Not only do we have the experience to care for them, but we also hold a special place in our hearts for these unaltered male horses. Many rescues lack the capacity, experience, or willingness to manage unaltered males. Our goal is not only to nurse them back to health but also to ensure they don't fall into the wrong hands of profiteers and breeders. After rehabilitation, they'll require gelding and training to become manageable.
Our readiness to respond at a moment's notice has been crucial in our relationship with animal control, as we can be called upon to pick up these horses at any time. To set ourselves up for success, we completed the following preparations:
1. Our veterinarian assessed each horse and establish a comprehensive care plan, including blood tests, pregnancy tests, dental work, farrier services, sand treatments, deworming, medications, and ulcer prevention for those that have been able to be handled.
2. The stallions have been gelded at San Luis Rey Equine Hospital.
3. Considering their malnourished state, we facilitated a gradual re-feeding program to prevent re-feed syndrome. This includes tailored diets with soaked pellets, senior feed, rice bran, oats, beet pulp, psyllium, and weight-gaining supplements, as needed.
4. We acquire additional stud panels and shelters to safely accommodate the new stallions separately during quarantine.
5. We are still in need additional shelters. We've identified suitable metal gazebos at Costco that, when paired with a raised pad, would be perfect for this purpose in our pastures.
This comprehensive approach has enabled us to allocate our resources effectively for the intake of these 11 horses. We are in need of more resources to continue their vet care, feeding, training, rehabilitation and time for them to simply decompress and learn to trust hums again so we can ensure their well-being and a brighter future.
While this is an enormous undertaking, we could not bear the thought of horses being euthanized due to overcrowding when we had the space and the capacity to help. We take a lot of pride in helping the horses that are overlooked, red listed, unwanted, injured, unrideable, senior or about to be euthanized. We currently have 34 hoofed animals in our care. Many of which find sanctuary to spend the rest of their lives enjoying retirement and endless groceries without ever having expectations to live up to. They simply get to be horses.
I sincerely hope that our mission to rescue and rehabilitate these horses aligns with your values and aspirations. If you find this cause resonating with your hearts, we would be profoundly grateful for your thoughtful consideration and support.
All our best!
Rusty's Rescue Inc.
