Horse Rescue Groups Deal With Aftermath Of Drought

drought

is that the hay crop died and some horses do not have enough to eat. Many of them have ended up on North Carolina horse rescue farms.

The

North Carolina Equine Rescue League

says it now has 47 horses for which it is caring. Officials say 24 horses have come since January.

"The price of hay has gone up and people either can't afford or won't afford to feed their horses," horse rescuer Jennifer Hack said.

Hack said the shortage of hay also hits the rescue group's pocketbook.

"The last time we got hay, it was about $6 a bale. Usually, you can get it for about $3.50 a bale in a good season," she said.

Along with the extra costs, more horses means more work for the volunteer group. Thirty-two of the horses have been rehabilitated, and they are available for adoption or fostering.