The fourth year of a unique assistance program offered by
the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals has been its most
challenging yet, but a growing need is evidence that its value is substantial
among those caring for horses.
Founded in 2017, MSSPA’s ‘Feed and Care Bank’ provides temporary,
emergency assistance for Maine horses in need and helps equine owners with stop-gap
funding that can be used for hay, feed and nutritional supplements, farrier or
dental services, routine vaccinations, and veterinary care.
According to Kathy Woodbrey, MSSPA assistant CEO, about 28
applicants have received funding from the ‘Feed and Care Bank’ program in 2020,
which she attributes to the effect of the COVID-19 economy on horse
owners.
Woodbrey said applicants for assistance may have lost a
job or been furloughed from work, suffered a health issue, or even been
challenged by a tough hay growing season.
“And we’re seeing that the pandemic has caused some people
not normally in need to seek help,” she said.
The average amount of funds a recipient typically receives
from the program is about $250 to $300 per animal and it allows horses to
remain in loving, healthy homes and to avoid further interventions.
MSSPA Vice President and CEO Meris Bickford said the “Feed
and Care Bank’ program support the organization’s ultimate vision of eliminating
equine abuse and neglect.
“We are so moved by circumstances and the applicant’s
stories are so compelling when you know they will need a bigger boost,”
Bickford said. “The best thing about this assistance is that it prevents horses
at risk from coming into the program.
The MSSPA was originally formed in 1872 to protect the
horses who pulled Portland’s streetcars and fire engines. It now offers shelter
services for equines across Maine with access to veterinary medical care and
maintains dozens of equines at its South Windham facility.
Potential applicants for the “Feed and Care Bank’ program can
either complete a short application form online or can call the MSSPA to give
details by phone. MSSPA staff or volunteers then will visit with applicants,
check references, and may conduct on-site visits, as needed.
Once a determination of eligibility has been made,
assistance in the form of hay, grain, supplements, farrier services,
dental services, and/or routine veterinary well care and vaccines
may be provided for recipients.
To qualify, applicants must be Maine residents with horses
stabled in Maine.
The MSSPA is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) and receives no
federal, state or local funding, but rather is funded by a combination of
donations, bequests, grants, and fundraising activities. It uses its resources
to provide direct care to equines who have suffered abuse and promotes humane
treatment, training, and the use of animals through education and hands-on
experiences.
“It is very important for people who need the ‘Feed and
Care Bank’ program to know that we’re not judging them, and we encourage them
to apply if they need help,” Bickford said. “We want horses to stay out of the
system.”
To apply for help from the ‘Feed and Care Bank’ program,
visit msspa.org/hay or call 207-892-3040.
Anyone interested in supporti8ng the ‘Feed and Care Bank’;
with a donation can do so by visiting msspa.org/give or by calling
207-892-3040. <
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