Saving Horses from Slaughter

Here is ANOTHER story that proves there is no such thing as an "unwanted horse"and that horse slaughter is unnecessary!!  ~Declan

Saving Horses from Slaughter Houses

Posted: Jun 21, 2012 9:40 PM EDTUpdated: Jun 21, 2012 9:40 PM EDT

By Chloe Beardsley - email

Central Coast News Fox 35

For the full story and video go here.

KING CITY, Calif.-- Saving Horses from Slaughter Houses. Central Coast News believes to build a strong community you must invest in it. That's why we created the $1 million community investment project.

The Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue in King City rescues hundreds of horses from being slaughtered. For more than 25 years Marlene Dodge rescued thousands of horses and since starting Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue they've saved more than 400 horses from slaughter houses. "There's so many other ways to handle your horses I mean rather than send them off to kill pens," said Dodge.

Right now 50 horses are looking for homes. Contrary to what many people may think about rescue horses. The rescue ranch said they're the best kind to buy. Danielle Scheid has been volunteering at the ranch for more than three years. She says the horses are checked out with their coats and teeth cleaned, well-trained and are in good shape to be adopted. "The majority of the horses that we get are in good condition either broke or have been worked with,".

"There's some amazing horses I mean they're some horses here that I would have given anything for when I was showing and competing," said Dodge.

Trainers at the ranch assess each horse when they arrive and before it's adopted to ensure its well trained and safe to ride. "We're hoping to find great homes for all the horses. If we can as many as we possibly can. We try to place a horse as best as we can with families and homes that match the horses,"said Dodge.

The ranch explains with limited space, if you adopt a horse you're saving another one by giving it a chance at life. "For us to be able to save more horses out of the feed lots we have to adopt these out and that's our goal," said Scheid. 

This weekend more than 37 horses will be available for adoption at the Salinas Sports Center. It starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 6:30 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday the group is doing a special race horse event. It's free for anyone who wants to go.