Belgian Adoptions Begin

November 16, 2007

Just an update for anyone following the fate of the 41 horses who survived the double-decker trailer accident in Wadsworth, Illinois:

The first of the horses have left Fred and Vicki Carney’s farm for new loving homes, which have been carefully screened by a committee of the veterinarians and horse owners who have been involved in the animals’ care. Eight of the horses have departed for their new homes, and the rest will too once they are given a clean bill of health. Many will continue to receive care at their new homes for cuts, abrasions, and other injuries that still need time to heal. Veterinarians are providing the adoptive families with ongoing care items like antibiotics and anti-inflamatories.

Over 250 applications for adoption were received. Some were weeded out because of distance, including people from as far away as Arizona, Florida, Australia, and Sweden. Others dropped out of the running when they realized just how much work caring for these horses was going to be.

Seven more of the horses are tagged for adoption as soon as they are healthy enough, and vets and caretakers expect the rest to go in coming weeks.

I’ve been impressed with the Chicago Tribune’s coverage of this incident, and they’ve been my main source of information. Read the rest of the Chicago’s Tribune’s article about the first Belgians to be adopted.

Posted in Horse Care, Horse News, Horse Slaughter