Veterinarians and veterinary technicians have launched a
non-profit organization called St. Louis Horse Heroes (SLHH) to raise funds for
the care of the 25 survivors of a horrific Sept. 27 crash of a double-decker
trailer that was ferrying the horses to slaughter in Illinois. Caretakers for
these animals are requesting the help of horse owners and enthusiasts
nationwide--they need silent and live auction items. The proceeds from this
auction will benefit the organizations caring for the survivors. The estimated
care of the survivors has risen to approximately
$50,000.
Stuart
Robson, DVM, of Fox Creek Veterinary Hospital in Pacific, Mo., said the group will raise funds for care
of the 24 horses and one hinny. The majority of the funds raised by SLHH will go
to the Franklin County Humane Society and the Longmeadow Rescue Ranch. A portion
of SLHH-raised funds will go to two rescue groups that assisted at the
scene.
Crystal
Richardson, head technician at Fox Creek, is collecting auction items for an
invitation-only fundraiser event for SLHH that will be held in mid-November at
the St. Louis Zoo. "While it's an invitation-only event, we really need help in
finding people that could donate items for the auction," she said. They request
"anything that can be auctioned off, from gas cards to gift certificates...some
businesses are donating artwork, services, and jewelry. Time shares have helped
out a lot, too.
"The more
auction items, the more proceeds we're going to be able to provide for these
organizations that have been helping the horses," added Richardson.
Robson
encourages horse owners to help. "We (those involved with SLHH) can't solve all
these problems," he said, referring to the unwanted horse issue and incidents
such as the Missouri crash that involve slaughter-bound
horses, "but we can help this particular group of horses, and we've made it our
mission to do this. Everyone that's involved is completely dedicated to helping
these horses, and we really need donations to help the humane society and two
rescue groups that came and helped at the scene, using their own equipment and
doing it out of the caring of their hearts."
The truck
carrying 42 horses overturned early on Sept. 27 on Interstate 44 in Franklin County. Sixteen horses died in the
immediate aftermath of the accident, and another mare was euthanatized late last
week after her condition deteriorated. Twenty-two of the survivors are at the
Humane Society of Missouri's Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, and three are still in
treatment at area veterinary hospitals.
If you want
to make a tax-deductible donation of an item for the auctions, please e-mail
Richardson at fxcrktech@yahoo.com.
If you'd rather make a monetary donation for the care of these horses, please
visit. www.hsmo.org.