Without adequate hay supplies, numerous horses, ponies, foals and burros face starvation
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) September 05, 2014
The Wild For Life Foundation (WFLF) issues a stark warning that many equines will suffer starvation through the winter. Skyrocketing hay prices compounded by drought conditions and neglectful owners who have not provided adequate feed during tough economic times are among the main causes.
Charity missions like the ‘WFLF Hay Drive’ help raise awareness and essential funds, to aid horses, ponies, donkeys and foals that need urgent care after being starved, neglected, rounded up or discarded and left to die. A bale of hay can make all the difference!
Katia Louise, WFLF President and Founder said: “Last year the WFLF saw a dramatic increase in the number of starving animals requiring the assistance of our rescue program. In 2013, the WFLF met the needs of a 244% increase in victimized equines over the previous year. Over the last twelve months, WFLF has responded and provided for over 200 neglected, abused and homeless horses who have come through our doors, including 17 pregnant mares and twenty one orphan foals.” WFLF works around the clock helping horses across the country and is regularly stretched beyond capacity due to the rough economy. As a US registered 501 (c)3 nonprofit charity, WFLF relies 100% on donations to do their vital lifesaving work.
“It takes a great deal of hay to bring just one starved horse back to health and even more to feed a large number of homeless rescue horses through the winter, “ added Ms. Louise. “Hay is the single highest ongoing expense and most crucial lifesaving resource in operating a horse rescue.” Indeed the cost of hay has more than doubled over the past few years and prices are expected to rise again this winter.
“The immediate need to replenish hay supplies is crucial,” Katia said. WFLF has stepped up during very troubling times and taken responsibility for numerous wild and domestic horses victimized by starvation and displacement. WFLF is one week into the crucial Hay Drive and has raised about $5,000, “which is a promising start,” says Ms Louise. “But we are facing the upcoming winter without enough funding to purchase sufficient hay.” WFLF’s annual hay budget is ninety three thousand dollars.
WFLF fed and re-homed more needy horses over the last year than ever before, but it is that time again; to replenish vital hay supplies, and the clock is ticking. WFLF’s monthly budget for hay and feed averages $7,750 a month. “The success of this Hay Drive will enable WFLF to purchase enough hay to get through winter before the winter prices go up,” Katia said.
The chief objective is to raise the entire amount which will enable WFLF to focus vital time and resources on the victimized horses in need rather than scrambling to raise monthly funds. “We’ve committed to saving these horses and we will not fail,” Katia says. “But it is really scary. It’s an ongoing leap of faith.”
Having crucial hay funds is what makes it possible for WFLF to continue its lifesaving work. “And, without adequate hay supplies, we would be forced to turn away needy starving horses; horses that would have nowhere else to go.” Horses need this help more than ever.
The Onyx and Breezy Foundation just recently contributed to WFLF’s hay supply to provide urgently needed hay for WFLF’s most needy cases. Other organizations contributing toward WFLF’s hay supply include Best Friends Animal Society and the ASPCA.
WFLF provides urgent care, rehabilitation and safe housing to animals who have been victims of cruelty, starvation and displacement. “We also engage in charitable programming to benefit disadvantaged youth and veterans through equine assisted learning and therapy. WFLF’s sanctuary and conservation program protects and preserves America’s majestic and rare wild horses for future generations.” WFLF also works with law enforcement officers who seize abused companion animals, but are often times ill-equipped to deal with horses who are in need of round the clock care.
Every donation is paramount in this vital fundraising goal, whether it’s a $5 or $100. “It takes all of us to make a difference in the lives of the horses we all share our love for,” says Katia. “Please share to help and give what you can.”
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How To Help
1. Make a donation online at http://www.WildforLifeFoundation.org
2. Join WFLF’s $5 a Month Club at: http://www.wildforlifefoundation.org/haydrive.html
3. Mail a check or money order to:
Wild For Life Foundation
19510 Van Buren Blvd, #F3236
Riverside, CA 92508
Wild For Life Foundation (WFLF) is a federally registered 501c3, all volunteer, nonprofit charity dedicated to saving, protecting and preserving both wild and domestic equines through rescue, rehabilitation, sanctuary and education. WFLF is where horses and people are partners in healing. Federal ID No. 26-3052458