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Ag News -
National Ag News
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Saturday, 06 March 2010 15:27 |
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 By Liz Shepard
Times Herald (Port Huron)
LEXINGTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Fred Marengo's horses came to him in a variety of sad states, some malnourished, some lame and some abused.
He worked to nurse them back to health. And they helped him overcome four years of serious medical issues, including failing kidneys, blood clots and bypass surgery.
"These horses were absolutely paramount in my recovery," Marengo said recently while giving one of his five rescued horses a scratch. "When you bring them back from the condition they were in. ... They just seemed to understand the crisis I was going through."
And while Bobby, Buddy, Cody, Copper and Zip have had their lives improved by Marengo, the retired St. Clair Shores deputy police chief said he's not done helping the equine community.
The horses have become part of their family, and Marengo said he's going to do what he can to make sure other area residents who have incorporated horses into their lives don't have to part ways because of the economic recession.
So, he's starting up the Hungry Horse Food Bank.
Marengo, 70, said the idea wasn't hard to come up with after looking at the area's economy.
"If people can't feed themselves, they're going to have problems feeding their horses," he said.
Marengo hopes local farmers donate hay to horse owners needing a temporary reprieve. He's also recruiting farriers and veterinarians to offer free or discounted services.
Marengo said he would like farmers to keep the hay stored on their property, allowing approved horse owners to pick it up themselves. He said horse owners will have to go through a screening process to ensure they are in need.
Jill Fritz, Michigan State Director for the Humane Society of the United States, said rescues throughout the state have seen a jump in the number of people unable to afford their horses.
In response, Fritz said they started the Michigan Horse Welfare Coalition. The group had its first meeting in January and is focused on starting a feed bank and compiling a list of horse sanctuaries and low-cost resources.
"I think (the economy is) definitely the main issue," she said. "Owning a horse is very expensive, and people are realizing now maybe they don't have the financial resources."
Scott Beckstead, equine protection specialist with the Humane Society of the United States, said horses have been hit particularly hard.
He said more rescues have popped up across the nation but said the majority are at capacity.
Along with the feed bank, Marengo wants to be a point of contact to help place unwanted horses.
He said there is a growing number of horses in need of homes. He said people are having difficulties selling horses, and many are giving them away or turning them loose.
Gail Cruickshank has gone from rescuing to requiring assistance.
The 58-year-old Washington Township resident started taking in neglected horses with her husband about three years ago. They helped house or place about 20 horses.
But now Cruickshank said she's in a tough spot. Her husband, Bob, died of cancer in August, leaving her with six horses, piles of bills and a 9-year-old special-needs grandchild to raise.
"It's disappointing I can't help anymore," she said. "I'm at my limit; I'm past my limit."
Cruickshank said she's heard from some people who have taken horses she's rescued in the past who no longer can afford to help. She said many people are in need of something such as the hay bank.
"I think it's great," she said. "I just hope people realize what's going on." |
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