U.S.E.R.L. Richmond Region

This region encompasses 8 counties in Virginia including: Caroline, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, King George, Powhatan, Louisa, and the city of Richmond. Thanks for stopping by!

Click here to read all about it!

RICHMOND, Va., February 4, 2009 - Ten emaciated horses were seized last night from a location near Prospect, Virginia after a concerned citizen reported seeing a dead horse on the property.  When Prince Edward Animal Control officers arrived at the location they found 10 other horses in very poor condition.

"We are seeing more and more cases like this.  I believe it is partly due to the economy, but also because private citizens are reporting these incidents to the authorities more frequently," said Susan White, Regional Director of the USERL in Richmond.  "We could not operate without our volunteers and donors and for that I am very thankful."

United States Equine Rescue League (USERL) investigators and volunteers from the Richmond region assisted Prince Edward County Animal Control in the seizure and transport of the horses from the property. The horses are being housed by the USERL at an undisclosed location where they will receive necessary veterinary care and be placed on a careful rehabilitation program. While all of the horses are emaciated, four of the horses are very severely emaciated.  It is estimated that it will take six to 12 months for all of the horses to recuperate and regain their health.

No charges have been filed at this time. 

USERL, a 501(c)3 non-profit volunteer organization was created in 1997 to educate the public about proper care of their equines and to rehabilitate and eventually  find permanent homes for neglected and abused horses.   With an all volunteer staff, USERL relies on donations to care and rehabilitate horses in need until they can be placed in a permanent home.