Returning to Its Roots

In 1883, Ossining resident Mary Dusenberry was moved by the sight of work horses struggling to deliver heavy loads of coal. Her concern led to the creation of the SPCA of Westchester in Briarcliff Manor, the only agency in Westchester County empowered by the State of New York to enforce laws relating to animal cruelty.

Today, more than 120 years later, concern for the humane treatment of horses remains one of the top priorities of the SPCA's Humane Law Enforcement Division. The sad reality is that not all horses in Westchester County are well treated. Many face a life of continuous labor, meager accommodations, little if any medical attention, poor quality feed, and finally when they are no longer able to produce a living for their owners, they will be sold for slaughter.

The SPCA of Westchester has established a fund dedicated to the costs associated with equine cruelty cases. Your contributions help provide medical, farrier, and dental care, along with quality feed and hay for neglected and abused horses in our community. For more information, please call (914) 941-2896 ext. 12. Contributions can be made out to the SPCA Equine Rescue fund and sent to SPCA of Westchester, 590 North State Road, Briarcliff, NY 10510.

These horses deserve a new beginning. Thank you for giving them a chance at a better life.

The SPCA currently has two horses in its care, both victims of overwork, neglect and abuse. With proper and consistent medical, dental and farrier care, these two are now thriving and able to live the lives they so deserve.

One of our rescue ponies is close to 35 years of age and has been with us for over a year. He will live out his life on a farm in Bedford, NY with a family of children, dogs, cats and two other ponies.