WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, November 16, 2020 — American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, today announced that LASSO Horse Rescue and Equine Therapy received a grant from American Humane’s Feed the Hungry fund. Located in LaSalle, Colorado, LASSO is a concerned and dedicated group of people whose mission is to ensure no large animal in the state of Colorado suffers needlessly as a result of human or natural consequence.
“Animals have a special place in my heart, and I am saddened to see so many being abandoned and left hungry as a result of this sweeping COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jean Shafiroff, national spokesperson for American Humane’s Feed the Hungry campaign and renowned philanthropist. “We must ensure that rescue organizations have the basic resources necessary to care for these defenseless animals who are in dire need of a forever home.”
Like every other business or organization in America, rescues and shelters are struggling to maintain basic services and care for their animal residents in the face of the current worldwide pandemic. Thousands of animals are being left without homes and facilities are in desperate need of general supplies. Detrimental natural disasters including hurricanes and wildfires have further heightened the situation. In response to the overwhelming number of calls received from animal rescuers, shelters and first responders, American Humane launched the Feed the Hungry fund to feed and care for animals across the country who have been abandoned during the coronavirus crisis. The fund seeks to raise much-needed resources to help shelters and rescue organizations that are not only struggling to keep the lights on, but also to keep critical supplies like food stocked.
“LASSO is very grateful and honored to be selected as a recipient of your grant,” said DiAnn Hitchcox, director of operations at LASSO. “This grant has provided much needed assistance in light of the pandemic and the wildfires impacting our area. Our organization has experienced lack of volunteers, reduced fundraising opportunities, as well an increase of unwanted horses in our community. In June, LASSO acquired 10 horses that were bound for slaughter. This grant will help provide hay and medical care for these animals.”
LASSO, an all-volunteer organization, is dedicated to the safe keeping of abandoned, abused, neglected and unwanted horses in the state of Colorado. The rescue organization also offers educational programs to help all large animal owners understand the intricacies and responsibilities inherent in caring for their animals, and the negative impact on those animals if that care is not given. LASSO gives assistance to owners who cannot care for their animals because of medical or financial reasons, and works with local and regional law enforcement agencies to provide refuge and medical treatment for animals suffering from abuse and neglect. The horses who are awaiting adoption at LASSO provide equine therapy to the public and challenged individuals of the community. American Humane’s Feed the Hungry grant will help LASSO continue their lifesaving work following destructive wildfires and the ongoing coronavirus.
To help shelters continue to save lives during this unprecedented crisis, consider donating today. Learn more at www.americanhumane.org/feedthehungry.
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization. Founded in 1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of animals, and our leadership programs are first to serve in promoting and nurturing the bonds between animals and people. For more information or to support our work, please visit www.americanhumane.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
