Unwanted Horse Survey deadline Saturday

I received this email today and wanted to share it with anyone that wants to share their opinion of unwanted horses with a group doing an independent survey. Please read carefully, at one point they give you options and ask what are most and least appealing to you, there are some tough choices, take your time. I don’t want this to start a heated debate, just wanted to give an opportunity to those that want to make an influence. This did come from UHC through the NYSFB.

Erika

Deadline for Unwanted Horse Survey Approaching

The opportunity to respond to a public survey launched by the Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) is coming to a close. Launched in November, the survey will provide data on the scope of the unwanted horse issue. It is available at http://survey.ictgroup.com/uhcsurvey/ and will be closed at the end of the month.

Although some say the number of unwanted horses is on the rise, there are few documented facts about the accurate number of unwanted horses, their age, sex, breed, recent use, value, or what happens to them in the long run.

“Although there are numerous media reports and much anecdotal evidence of a growing problem with unwanted horses, there have been no studies or surveys done to attempt to document it,” said Jay Hickey, president of the American Horse Council (AHC), the national association that represents all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C. “The downturn in the economy, rising costs of hay, the drought that has affected many parts of the United States, the costs of euthanasia and carcass disposal, and the closing of the nation’s slaughter facilities have all made the problem worse. But no one knows its magnitude. That’s why the first step toward a solution is to gather and examine the facts. The goal of this survey is to get the input, observations, opinions and suggestions from anyone and everyone involved with horses.”

The effort, known as the “Study on Contributing Factors Surrounding the Unwanted Horse Issue” will be instrumental in filling factual gaps with actual data on:

· Awareness of the unwanted horse problem and perceived trends in recent years;

· Level of concern;

· Factors contributing to the problem;

· Direct and indirect experience with the issue;

· Actions taken by owners;

· Expectations about responsibility and assistance;

· Solutions.

An independent research firm developed the questionnaire and is hosting the online survey site at http://survey.ictgroup.com/uhcsurvey/. The firm will also tabulate and analyze responses, and provide a full report.

A comprehensive view of the problem depends on representation from all corners of the horse industry, according to Tom Lenz, DVM, chairman of the UHC. “To ensure the broadest possible participation, we’re working to involve a variety of individuals, associations, state and local agencies, and equine-related companies to actively encourage their constituencies to take the survey and voice their opinions.”

New York Farm Bureau
159 Wolf Road, PO Box 5330
Albany, NY 12205-0330
518-436-8495 / 800-342-4143
http://www.nyfb.org