Groups hope to stabilize population of free-roaming horses

LOUSIVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Animal welfare groups say the free-roaming population of horses in eastern Kentucky has grown too large, exposing them to malnourishment and conflicts with people.

The Courier-Journal reports (http://cjky.it/16Db4dN ) some of the horses are owned, but left to wander and graze on reclaimed surface mines. Others are wild. But the Kentucky Humane Society estimates their population is in the thousands.

No wholesale roundup planned, but several groups are beginning to work together to stabilize or reduce the population. As a starting point, the Humane Society will begin offering services such as vaccines and gelding for owned horses. The project will begin this spring and focus on a handful of counties including Knott, Floyd and Breathitt.

Officials also hope that wild horses coming into contact with humans can be gelded and adopted.

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Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com

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