SRF saved 733 horses from slaughter in 2021

Cream Ridge, NJ – 2/11/2022 The Standardbred Retirement Foundation, (SRF) in 2021 removed 733 trotters and pacers from the slaughter line and brought each one to safety. Some of these racehorses and broodmares made many appearances in the Winner’s Circle, many made well over a few hundred thousand dollars, and one made more than $900,000.

There were injured, sick, lame, sound, and healthy horses all in need of someone to take that very kind step to help them. SRF supporters did just that. (This number is exclusive of Standardbreds helped right from the track.)

Of the 733, SRF still has more than 100 that have not found homes, putting the number under its care and expense close to 500 horses. Sadly 6 horses, while SRF was working on helping them, still in the pen, were used to fill a load; they were shipped to slaughter. Fourteen others, before SRF could remove them from the crammed holding pens, passed away or were euthanized there.

Seventeen were taken in by SRF, were quickly seen by a veterinarian and were euthanized, as he had expressed that it was the kindest thing to offer them. Twenty-four went back to their racing owners

The remaining of the 733 are either with SRF presently or have found loving homes. SRF remains their guardian, an effort to keep them from being at risk again. This is how SRF is different from other organizations.

Initially the number of horses was reported as 749, after noting a database error, the number is 733. The link to see the names is below, one name is missing, it is a colt born to a pregnant mare SRF had rescued.

According to a new poll 83% of Americans are opposed to horse slaughter. The United Sates Trotting Association, (USTA) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (ASPCA) support the SAFE ACT, pending federal legislation to prevent American horse slaughter plants from reopening, and to keep horses from shipping internationally to slaughter.

Both organizations, however, will not support any organizations helping horses tagged for slaughter. They have noted to SRF that this is their way of trying to stop buyers of horses whose value is only meat. This is not a solution or a viable effort to prevent slaughter, it actually supports it by refusing to help these needy animals. The list of horses SRF and its supporters saved in 2021 is here. www.adoptahorse.org/rescued-horses-2021

The horses safe and loved in many homes shown here had freeze brands, identification that gave them hope and help. Freeze brands on Standardbreds are no longer mandatory by the USTA. Only microchips are required. These brands are needed to save lives and SRF asks supporters to contact the USTA Directors on the registration committee asking to reinstate mandatory freeze brands.

The vote is scheduled for March 11-13, 2022. Here is the list and their contact information.