"The plight of our country's unwanted horses touches every facet of the horse industry, Dr. Tom Lenz, who chairs the steering committee as the AAEP representative, said in a release. "I continue to be pleased with the cooperation and work ethic of the various equine groups working to resolve the unwanted horse issue and am confident that our efforts will bear fruit for America's horses."The steering committee was formed during a June conference call. Members are Lenz; Dr. Andrew Lang of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (vice chairman); Remi Bellocq of the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association; Dr. Jim Cook of the AVMA; Dr. Lydia Gray of the Hooved Animal Humane Society; Pennell Hopkins of the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; Herb Moelis of Thoroughbred Charities of America; Ward Stutz of the American Quarter Horse Association; and Russell Williams of the United States Trotting Association.The steering committee will operate until a final organizational structure is adopted. The committee is charged with developing a definition of the unwanted horse and a mission statement.
Edited press releaseA second Unwanted Horse Summit has been scheduled for Sept. 21, and in the interim, a steering committee will consider ways to formally structure the endeavor.The next meeting will be held at the American Veterinary Medical Association headquarters in Schaumburg, Ill., according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, which organized the first summit in April. Representatives of the 25 organizations that attended the first meeting are expected.
