Some western Canadians are giving up their horses because of money problems or life-changing difficulties, says Kathy Bartley, president of a small horse rescue group north of Calgary.
The price of hay has skyrocketed, costing Bear Valley Rescue 120-thousand dollars last year alone. And there may not be enough money to buy hay for the autumn, which begins in September.
‘Stress, workload pretty tough’
Bear Valley Rescue is run by Bartley, her husband and a few volunteers. In the past week, they received an influx of horses—an orphaned foal, 10 yearlings, two mini-mules, a pony and a skinny gelding. That brings the total to 150 animals and no room for any more.
Horses may be slaughtered
“The stress and workload is getting pretty tough,” wrote Mike Bartley in an email. And demand is increasing. The Bartleys are concerned that horses they cannot rescue will go to slaughter.
Low prices for oil have hit western Canada hard. Many people have been laid off of their jobs as oilsand operations reduce activities.
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