PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Four horses are currently up for adoption in Pender County and it’s more common in North Carolina than you would think.

It’s an ongoing issue throughout the state.

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“Nobody wants to see horses go to slaughter. Nobody wants to see horses neglected. That’s why these rescues are so important,” Cape Fear Equine Rescue Board of Director Jewell Horton said.

She said Pender County and other areas throughout the state have seen an increase in the amount of neglected and unwanted horses. Some of these horses were malnourished or owners had to give them up.

“You know, for our shelter, Pender County animal shelter, we are starting to see an influx. So we reach out to other rescues to help partner with us, to get these horses placed in appropriate homes,” Horton said.

But to help these horses in Pender County, the rescue is hosting an adoption event for help a horse day.

“You can come in. Meet the horses, meet the volunteers. If you’re interested in adopting, if you’re able to do all your reference checks right there, they can go home the same day. If not, we can check on those next week and get your horse home to you, hopefully within the next week or so,” Horton said.

Horton says if someone adopts a horse, it helps make room to take care of another neglected horse.

“That initial expense is a lot for the rescue, but then to just have them for months on end, continue accruing those costs, prevents us from helping others horses that are standing out there, needing that type of stuff. So, it’s really important that we promote adoptions and especially in an area where horses are so prevalent,” Horton said.

A veterinarian who checked on the horses today said if you are thinking of adopting them, many have special needs, especially when it comes to nutrition and their diet as they get older. But she did say they’re in good health.