Winter hay assistance available
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Equine Fund has been offering financial support again this year to help keep horses alive and the groups that care for them afloat. Given this year’s drought conditions, nearly $200,000 of the $250,000 in available funding for the Hay Bale Out Emergency Grant had already been committed at press time. Applications are being accepted online through Nov. 9 or until funding is depleted.
State-level hay banks and assistance programs are also available in several states, including California, Colorado, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Mexico, and Oregon.
For its grants, the ASPCA gives preference to organizations that operate in a drought-impacted area of the country. Eligible organizations will be considered for up to $5,000 in funding if they currently care for 12 to 49 horses, and up to $10,000 if they care for 50 or more horses. Funds are to be used to provide food for the horses within the organization or to offer feed support to at-risk horses in the community via a hay bank–type program.
Groups that meet the following requirements are welcome to apply for an ASPCA emergency hay/feed financial relief grant:
- Are a United States–based 501(c)(3) equine rescue, sanctuary, or animal welfare organization, or a municipal/government agency, currently caring for 12 or more horses.
- Have not received an ASPCA emergency feed/hay grant within the past six months.
- Are in good standing with the ASPCA Equine Fund (and all required grant reporting is up-to-date).
Online applications for the Hay Bale Out Emergency Grant are accessible at www.aspcapro.org/equine.
Direct questions to Jacque Schultz, senior director of the ASPCA Equine Fund, at jacque [dot] schultzaspca [dot] org (jacque[dot]schultz[at]aspca[dot]org).