Mass. Shelter Sees Another Horse Surrenders Record

Officials at a shelter for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals say 2010 has been the third year in a row they have received a record number of horses given up by their owners.

MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen said Monday that 74 horses have already been surrendered to the non-profit this year — eclipsing last year's record of 70 equines.

The jump comes after four horses arrived at Nevins Farm last week following a foreclosure and another was surrendered after it got sick and its owner could not afford the veterinary care.

Melissa Ghareeb, manager of the Nevins Farm Equine & Farm Animal Adoption Center, said the poor economy is still the main reason owners are giving up horses.