PRERI Hay Bank

Contact: Delores Hanser Paws Ranch Equine Rescue Phone 800-580-6504 Fax 800-580-6504 preri@pawsranch.org www.pawsranch.org

158 Paws Ranch Rd Bostic, NC 28018

Paws Ranch Equine Rescue

Press Release

PRERI Emergency Veterinary Fund and Hay Bank Hits Milestone

PRERI  has brought relief to more than 100 equine in North and South Carolina.

Bostic, NC, July 7, 2014:  As of July 15th, 2012, PRERI Emergency Equine Fund and Hay Bank brings relief to more than 100 equine (horses, mules donkeys, and ponies) throughout North and South Carolina from the "PRERI Equine Funds" compassionate programs. Included in the milestone, are several cases from Rutherford County NC and Spartanburg SC.

Howard S. of Rutherford County was one of the first persons to receive help from the PRERI Community Hay Bank. in 2012.

Howard a senior in our community, due to the economy had financial hardship, recalled "with a bad economy I needed assistance feeding Spots my 26 yr old Appaloosa. I raised him and have had him since he was a colt. Thankfully I was able to get help from The PRERI Community Hay Bank. I was able to receive 12 bags of feed and round bales of hay to get us through a tough winter. Recently my wolf hybrid grew old and needed to be humanly euthanize, and the veterinary fund help me.

Last year, Spartanburg Humane Society called and asked for our assistance and received help from the PRERI Veterinary Fund. We assisted with a little filly named Cookie. Cookie was in Greer, SC in a garage with a meth lab. She was suffering from malnutrition and severe sinus infection due to infected teeth. The filly was in bad shape.  She was brought to Paws Ranch Equine Rescue and after prolonged veterinary care, she has had two surgeries to correct her dental issues. The latest at Virginia Tech Equine to remove tooth fragments from sinuses. She is recovering well and has gained 150lbs.

"We started the Equine Fund and Hay Bank in 2011, the needs of homeless and abused horses we being evaluated only by a handful of struggling equine rescues in the area doing the best they could to help the horses. Humane options were not available for many equines and the horse owners who care for them"

Now more than ever, "PRERI Emergency Veterinary Fund and Hay Bank are crucial to our communities of North and South Carolina, we are very pleased that through the generosity of many supporters, the fund has directly reduced the suffering of over 100 horses, mules, donkeys and ponies," said Delores Hanser Executive Director of Paws Ranch Equine Rescue.

The Equine Fund's programs consist of Emergency Veterinary Care, Emergency Feed and Hay assistance, that provides temporary financial assistance for horse owners during hard times. the equine fund also provides Emergency veterinary care as well as regular veterinary care for vaccinations, Coggins, Dental for needy horses including Gelding.

The Golden Acres program provides humane euthanasia for suffering animals and helps horse owners that need financial assistance during this difficult decision.

In celebrating our recent milestone, PRERI has asked the public to become participants in the solutions to prevent the suffering of horses by contributing to the PRERI Equine Fund and PRERI Community Hay Bank. Even the smallest donations go a long way toward ensuring help for at-risk equines, with an average of $300 spent  per animal across all the equine fund programs.

100 percent of all contributions to the PRERI Equine Fund go directly to assistance and care of the equine we help.

Recently, we have seen a dramatic increase in program activity. 'During last year, we've had a high volume of requests coming from horse owners, rescues and law enforcement for help with veterinary fees" "These agencies and facilities are dedicated to respond to abuse and neglect of horses. By providing support for euthanasia, gelding procedures, veterinary and other necessary care, we can help ensure prompt care, treatment, rehabilitation, seizure and adoption.

Visit www.pawsranch.org or contact Delores Hanser at 1-800-580-6504 or email dhanser@pawsranch.org for more information.