BB Jones Communications, Inc.

2682 SE Willoughby Blvd., Suite 201, Stuart, FL 34994

PRESS RELEASE

February 6, 2014

Horse Sanctuary Forced to Move by April 30

Palm City, FL -- The phone calls keep coming in to Randy Kinder, President of the Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation (ERAF) from horse owners who can no longer care for their horses and need to surrender them. “It’s a terrible situation when horses become neglected and the thought that we will have to turn away any new requests is dreadful,” Randy stated.

ERAF just received notice from the landowner, the Pegasus Foundation, that ERAF must vacate their current location in Palm City by April 30.  “We are very appreciative that the Pegasus Foundation has allowed us to remain at this location since 2006 and it is heartbreaking for everyone involved that the land will be sold,” commented Marilynn Vannucci, Board Member.   ERAF was notified in April 2013 that they would need to find a new location by November 2014.

ERAF is in a very distressful position trying to locate a replacement property.  They must quickly locate land, hopefully with an adequate barn, as a new home for their horses and community activities. 

ERAF was recently very excited and optimistic when it thought it had found its new permanent home.  It made an offer but unfortunately were not able to come to terms with the owners.  “We had great anticipation that the property was going to be our new home and now we must continue the search again with such a short time remaining,” Marilynn said. 

ERAF, the non-profit organization, is the only shelter in the immediate south Florida area that can offer care and shelter to horses abused by neglect, and irresponsible breeding and feeding.  When the Martin County Sheriff’s Office deputies find abused horses, they call upon ERAF.    One such memorable event occurred May 2013, as Martin County Sheriff’s Office contacted ERAF and 7 horses and 4 donkeys were surrendered all at one time.  The population at the barn was doubled in one day. 

As recently as December 2013,  the Martin County Sheriff’s Office  turned over two more horses to ERAF, a 19 year old Arabian stallion and a 19 year old Arabian mare.   Very sadly, the Arabian mare, had to be euthanized.    Her condition was so extremely poor and deteriorated that she couldn’t walk or eat and there was no expectation or prospect for rehabilitation.    The Arabian stallion had severe rain rot, weight loss and is a choker.  All food must be soaked and he cannot eat hay.  He is now being given special care at the ERAF stables and is progressing.

All the expenses of caring for these abused horses are the responsibility of ERAF.  The veterinary care, farrier, equine dentist, medications, feed, hay, stall bedding, grooming, rehabilitation and re-training are expenses ERAF is able to pay largely through funding received from donations.  ERAF  receives no government assistance and is dependent upon grants and private donations. 

“We have to look at any other options now and the clock is ticking,” Randy said.   “We need to find property to purchase and/or purchase with a portion being donated.  Another temporary option would be a property owner that will let us use their land and/or rent a barn and pastures until we can find our permanent home.”    We are looking for help!

For further information about ERAF and how you can help them, you can visit their website at www.eraf.org and contact either board president Randy Kinder at 561-358-0625 or board member Marilynn Vannucci at 772-287-0600 or by email at eraf2000 @ eraf.org.

ERAF benefit, Artist Exhibition, photo op with Roz all rolled up into one ENCORE gala evening.

  See photos of the opening reception and iphone pics of the artist's work.

GFAS wowed by ERAF and the equine parade

Patty Finch, Executive Director, GFAS

Adam Roberts, President GFAS, Sr. CP Born Free USA

Peter Bender, board member, Pettus- Crowe Foundation

Ian Robinson, DVM, Secretary/VP, Programs/International Operations for Int. Fund for Animal Welfare

Allan E. Kornberg, M.D., board member, Univ of Buffalo

Sue Leary, Pres of the American Anti-Vivisection Society

and its affiliates, The Alternative Research and Development Foundation

Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., Equine Verification Consultant 

Roper adopted.  Shown leaving ERAF with new bff Tiffany 

Rose is adopted , shown leaving for her new forever home 

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Last update  3/2/14

Lunch and Learn with Volunteer and Guest Trainer Mark Updike is a hit with Tessy (and a nosy 4 legged neighbor) as well as other ERAF vols

Check the How can I help page for information about sponsoring or fostering one of these new rescues. Can you donate something from our Wish List?  Will you make a contribution so ERAF can continue to do its work?

If you would like to create a memorial fund for a loved one to benefit our rescues, please contact ERAF at ERAF2000 @ ERAF.ORG

This website was created by easypclearning.com, directed by the Shadow and produced by Merlin.

Special thanks to Amber Schur and everyone at ERAF.