News Release

September 6, 2007

Contact: Lisa Dennison
Executive Director
Phone: (603) 772-2921 ext. 107

Stratham, NH
For Immediate Release

The New Hampshire SPCA Announces a New Home Found for Lilly

The New Hampshire SPCA is delighted to announce that Lilly, a horse that came to the NHSPCA in December 2006 following a grievous cruelty case, has been adopted. E.P.O.N.A. (Equine Protection Of North America) has once again partnered with the New Hampshire SPCA and has agreed to take ownership of Lilly and continue her care and rehabilitation.

Lilly was one of 5 horses and numerous cats that were rescued in a grievous cruelty case. All of the horses were in serious condition when they were rescued. They were emaciated, had not seen a farrier in a very long time, and literally hadn't been out of their stall in years. The damage done was not only physical but also psychological. It took a full day of coaxing by trained staff and horse specialists, including Ron Levesque, to remove the horses to the transport trailers. In the ensuing weeks and months, the horses were provided medical treatment, farrier services and a safe place to recover.

It was immediately apparent that Lilly had suffered serious psychological damage at the hands of her former owner and that she would need extra help with her recovery. At that time it was agreed that Lilly would receive specialized rehabilitation from trainer, Ron Levesque. Ron came here to work with Lilly a number of times in the first few weeks. A horse of 16 hands, Lilly at times was a danger to herself, crashing through fences and rearing until she fell and cut her leg deeply. She was also a danger to those that worked with her. In January 2007, a foster home was identified for Lilly. Although the fostering commitment was for a 12 month term, after only a few months the foster family terminated the contract due to concerns for safety and relinquished Lilly back to the NHSPCA. In May 2007, Lilly was adopted and moved to Inspiration Farm for training. Only 3 months later, Lilly's ownership was once again returned to us. The person who had adopted her no longer wanted her.

At this time NHSPCA has still not received any restitution for the care of these 5 horses. The cost to the agency has been significant - totaling over $20,000. Regardless of the expense involved, the NHSPCA has provided medical treatment, rehabilitation and training for all of them. Due to her extenuating circumstances, we have not and will not impose adoption fees for anyone willing to step forward.

"We are delighted to once again partner with E.P.O.N.A." said Lisa Dennison, Executive Director. "This is the third time that E.P.O.N.A has helped us to find homes for difficult to place horses. We are thrilled that Lilly will continue to receive care and rehabilitation services. We hope the same will happen for the other horses currently in our care."

There are currently 4 other horses being cared for by the NHSPCA. Three of them come from the same cruelty case as Lilly did. Through our investment and training Valentine has proven to be a lovely riding horse, Dove still struggles with her fear of the outdoors and Noel is progressing through her training and learning to overcome her challenges. All are healthy and adoptable. Boots, the pony, has been here over 2 years and came from a separate cruelty case. We also have over 300 cats and kittens, over 60 dogs and a variety of bunnies and other small animals. All of them are awaiting the right forever family.

The NHSPCA welcomes financial support to help continue the rehabilitation of the horses. Donations may be made to the SOS Fund via the web site at nhspca.org, by phone at (603) 772-2921 or by mail to SOS Fund, PO Box 196, Stratham NH 03885.

The New Hampshire SPCA is a community resource center that provides animal adoption, education, investigation and sheltering services in a professional and compassionate way. The Adoption Center is open from 11 am - 4pm on Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11 am - 7pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and closed on Wednesday. For more information about the NHSPCA, visit www.nhspca.org.

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