Bad Economy Leaves More Animals Homeless

Glenwood, IA - Animals are the latest victims of the brutal recession. Many families are having problems just putting food on the table. But imagine trying to do that and feed a horse. The problem's leaving a lot of animals homeless.

Two horses are desperate to find a new home. Two-year-old Little Red and 7-year-old Pursey are victims of the recession. They're not alone as many animal owners are forced to make heartbreaking choices. "Huge increase, people loosing their jobs, losing their homes," said Hooves and Paws Rescue Owner, Genea Stoops.

Just in the last week, Hooves and Paws has received 27 phone calls from people trying to find foster and adoptive care. "We took 11 horses in at the Nebraska Horse Expo. We also were approached, have 11 Saint Bernard puppies," Stoops said.

Hooves and Paws Rescue has nearly 50 horses in foster care. Everyday, that number grows. "It breaks my heart," she said.

As for Pursey and Little Red, they need someone to adopt them so they can find a safe place to call home. "It's a very sad situation," said Stoops.

The rescue program is picking up so many animals, the owners are trying to find a way to expand to make sure no horse or dog is lost in the shuffle. That can only be done by donations.

If you would like to foster or adopt, log onto www.hoovespaws.org or call (712) 527-3721 for Bill and Genea Stoops of Hooves and Paws Rescue.

Posted by Reporter, Erika Summers, esummers@action3news.com