The Unwanted Horse Fund, which appeared on Colorado state income tax forms for the first time in 2011, raised $88,000 to help with unwanted horse programs. The tax check-off makes it easy for taxpayers to donate some of their tax refunds to help address the problem of unwanted horses in Colorado.
“Raising this much money to help the many unwanted horses that are victims of the economy or unfortunately, someone’s ignorance and abuse, is extraordinary and we are so thankful to every taxpayer who donated to the fund,” said Hildy Armour, the Colorado Unwanted Horse Alliance (CUHA) president.
In addition to its research and education programs, CUHA provides grants to Colorado non profits and organizations that work to resolve the unwanted horse problem, specifically supporting adoptions, gelding, horse training and humane end-of-life programs.
“This fund will help Colorado increase the adoptability of the horses at rescues, reduce horse overpopulation, and provide information to horse owners who no longer want their horse, for whatever reason, to make a responsible decision about the horse’s future,” said Armour.
On May 27, 2010, Governor Ritter signed into law Senate Bill 10-139, the Unwanted Horse Fund Tax Check-off. The fund is administered by CUHA. An estimated 6,000 horses became unwanted in 2009 in Colorado. Contributions to the fund will help lower the number of unwanted horses and their suffering.