TULALIP, Washington: For ten years, Dr. Vel Moore has run a horse rescue and retirement service. Now her not-for-profit operation is reportedly facing eviction.
Dr. Moore's Equine Rescue Association (ERA), based in Snohomish County, Washington, is dedicated to caring for aging horses which have nowhere else to go.
The ERA takes in horses which have either been abused by their owners, or from owners who simply couldn't care of them any more. ERA residents include aging show- and race horses.
Thus far the ERA equine retirement home has survived on donated supplies and volunteer staff. However its future - and that of the 20-plus horses under its care - no longer looks so bright.
According to NBC affiliate King5.com, the ERA has less than two weeks to move, since the owner of the property on which it currently resides has decided to sell.
Dr. Moore says her organization has until the end of June to find a suitable new home . That means at least five acres of land - with water, electricity and phone service- for all its staff and horses. Otherwise, some of the horses may have to be destroyed.
This would be a huge disappointment to Dr. Moore and her team; having no paid workers, the volunteers of the ERA have already invested much of their own time, effort and resources into the horses under their care.
"We have worked really hard so it works," she said.
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“Dr. Moore says her organization has until June 18 to find a suitable new home ... otherwise, some of the horses may have to be destroyed.”
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Dr. Moore founded the ERA in 1997, modeling the organization on other similar successful campaigns she was involved with in California. Aside from maintaining its horse shelter, the ERA offers consultations for horse owners on issues of horse protection and, if necessary, intervention in horse-related situations.
According to King5.com, the ERA facility doubles as a retreat for teenagers and novice horse handlers to spend time to learn about caring for animals. As farm-hands they learn about respect, compassion and a good work ethic through general farm activities such as stall cleaning, animal handling and horse grooming.
The ERA also offers educational programs, such as riding lessons for children, and also maintains an online shop selling apparel, coffee mugs, hats and bags.
At least until the end of June, The Equine Rescue Association is based at 14607 Smokey Point Blvd., Marysville, WA 98271 and can be reached at 360-658-5494.
funny how, after all these years, the landowner decides to sell all of a sudden! obviously not an animal lover!
Is there a possibility that the horses could be temporarily located with friends and other horse owners until a suitable place could be found. I assume donation can be mailed to their address, but since it's temporary people aren't going to feel really comfortable sending to an address that will expire on the 18th. I'd like to donate, but from Florida to Washington State may take too much time.
yeah, it's not like cats and dogs where you can easily take them in- horses need barns, and grounds to run in. im sure the good doctor has already tapped her network and her personal friends. and it's almost the 18th. what's gonna happen next?
Anyone heard from these poor horses? I sure do hope that they should be in better homes now. I can just imagine the feelings of the doctor and her volunteers. They must be devastated. Sure would like to know where these poor horses are now.
even if you couldn't actually adopt a horse, i think this is one of those organizations so much deserving of our support- help them in any way you can- visit their online store, make a donation, help find others who can help them more.
They just had a story ran on them again on Komo 4. The actual deadline is June 29th and they have 24 horses to find places for along with needing to then tear down all the buildings they put on the place. They need to find a place with a minimum of 5 acres and permission to build the necessary shelters on it. I with I new a way to help, but I don't have land for them.
This is just terrible! Only a few days til the 29th. And there are 24 horses to move! I wish I could adopt them and bring em up to the old farmhouse but there just ain't room for more horses. Everyone, we should all do our part and spread this story to all the horse centers out there in different states. If each could take in a couple, then these horses can be spared from being destroyed.
you're right!! some people like dr. moore are trying to good in this world and some just are plain heartless. have a heart! Im not a big fan of horses but i was saddened and angered when i read this story.
I don't understand how some people can be so mean. I guess its just how they were brought up. This is just a sad, sad story.
What happened to the horses? Any updates? Sure do hope no one was destroyed or put down. I wanna get my hands on that money-hungry land owner!
i know this story came out a few months ago but i really hope that the owner of the land changed his mind. if not, i just hope that the horses are still being taken cared of well.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The horses and their carers succeeded in finding a new place to live and are happily munching grass as you read!
does anybody know whatever happened to these horses? were they given an extension or something? i really hope it all turned well for the horses.
Thank you, Nick. Glad I checked out this story again and found a note from you. Happy that these fellas found a good place for them to live.
it's really good to hear that these horses have finally found a new home. I sure hope that they love their new territory and for people to continue giving their much needed support to organizations like this one.
Good to know that this story ended happily. The people who rescued these horses really have a big heart. I hope they get the support and recognition they need for doing a good deed.
initially when i first read this story, i felt so angry at those people but after reading the feedbacks and finding out that those horses were able to find a better place, i feel good now. all's well that end's well.