Horse neglect in the province has become a major problem, and the Saskatchewan SPCA is pleading with the public for help. The organization is looking for financial support and people to care for these abused and abandoned animals.

The SSPCA already works with foster homes and adoptees of animals, like Tracy Rouse, who runs a horse rescue in Milden. Rouse recently took in a horse with a horrific head wound that the previous owner neglected to care for. But with other horses to care for, this new addition will cost her. "We barter out a lot of our time in trade for feed or straw or building material, or for whatever our needs are."

That's why the Saskatchewan SPCA is desperately trying to find others to help care for these animals, so the financial burden doesn't just rest on a few. They need people to care for horses and other animals, both on a short term and permanent basis, as well as sponsors.

Frances Wach, of the SSPCA says any donation would be appreciated. "Individuals can make a one-time donation to us, or a monthly donation, and the money would be used for the care of the animals, buying food, vet care."

The SSPCA says they've received over 240 complaints of horse neglect in the last year. That's up 61 per cent from the previous year, and they are forced to deal with the problem while operating with a major deficit. They say without more help from the public, horses may have to be put up for auction and eventually sent away to slaughter. Manager Kaley Pugh says that's why adoption is key.

"It's the right thing for the animals, rather than send them to the auction where we don't know where they're going to end up. At least this way we know they're in good homes and being well looked after," says Pugh.

Bunnie Harasyn, the owner of Paradise Stable Horse Rescue near Saskatoon is hoping to partner with the SSPCA. Harasyn says she sees her rescue center becoming a main base for horse adoption if community financial support is there.

"If the horses are to be put in foster care homes and to have the interaction with people and become social again rather than held in feedlots or on farmer's fields where they're held until the next auction, they'll have a far better chance of getting a permanent home," says Harasyn.

Anyone wishing to donate, sponsor or care for horses or other animals can contact the Saskatchewan SPCA at 306-382-7722 or saskspca@sasktel.net.