Abandoned Horses, Donkeys Burden Taxpayers outside Shreveport, Louisiana

The Shreveporttimes.com is reporting that increasing numbers of abandoned and neglected horses and donkeys have been a major burden on public coffers since 2010.

Local authorities relied on a horse rescue near the town of Keithville to care for the animals, but even the rescue has run out of room.

The sheriff has resorted to leasing property to hold the animals.  He says that  expenses are growing and since the slaughter industry was shut down, the animals have no value.  

If owners who have abandoned animals can not be found, there is no way for the authorities to recoup their expenses since horses and donkeys at auction attract no interest.

Shreveporttimes.com quoted the Sheriff:

"I understand that ruling about horse slaughter has been changed, but until we find a market for them, the taxpayers are having to pay for us to take care of them. We have no place to put them or sell them, and with all of the state regulations, the costs can run up to $150 for a $5 jackass."

Check Shreveporttimes.com for more details on the plight of the abandoned horses.