American Horse Council Press Release

Unwanted Horse Coalition Survey

You are likely aware of the problem of thousands of unwanted and abandoned horses in the United States. Some say the problem is an epidemic, however, much remains unknown. The first step toward a solution is to gather and examine the facts.

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED. The Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) is launching a nationwide survey of the problem and we're asking for participation from horse owners, equine associations, veterinarians, breeders, state and local law enforcement, and rescue groups. Our goal is to hear from everyone interested in the welfare of horses, which is why I'm asking for the support of every AHC chapter.

WHAT YOU CAN DO PERSONALLY. Please take the UHC national online survey by going online at http://survey.ictgroup.com/uhcsurvey/. Your answers will be confidential.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO SPREAD THE WORD. Please inform your members and constituencies about the UHC survey and encourage them to take the survey. To make it easy, we've developed templates you can customize and use in newsletters, publications and Web sites, including:

• News release that explains the problem and nationwide initiative in greater detail. For use in your organization's printed and online communications.
   
• Print ad templates are provided in 3 versions (two b/w and one 4-color). Choose the size and format that fit your needs and drop in your logo.
   
• Online banner template that's simple to download, add your logo, and upload to your Web site.
   
• e-Mail blast makes it easy for you to send an immediate e-mail alert that highlights the problem and encourages your members to participate.

CAN WE COUNT ON YOU? If you can promote the survey to your members and constituencies, please let us know by checking in online today. You'll be asked to answer a few quick questions to help us keep the project running smoothly. This Web site also provides quick access to all of the marketing templates. If you have any problems opening or downloading these files, please call Cathy McCormick at Stephens & Associates at 913-661-0910, Ext. 115 for technical assistance.

Thank you in advance for your help. With feedback from every corner of the horse industry, we believe this is a first and crucial step in finding the solution for this devastating problem.

As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.

The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.