Time Running Out To Adopt Abandoned Horses

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Two abandoned horses have found a new home on Tuesday, but there are many more in need of rescuing.

There more than 70 abandoned horses in Hampshire in desperate need of good homes, and time is of the essence, according to a local animal rescue organization.

Barrington-based Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society has teamed up with Hands and Hooves of Chicago to find homes for the 75 American quarter horses in just a few weeks.

The horses have been living in inadequate conditions for the past two years, society president Donna Ewing said.

"We have less than a month to get 75 of these horses off the leased property and into permanent homes," she stated in a recent news release.

The horses' previous owner, once a leader in breeding American quarter horses, fell on difficult times after the deaths of both her husband and daughter, Ewing said.

The former owner eventually lost the family farm and was unable to maintain the horses' care.

The animals were relocated to a leased equine facility in Hampshire, which is not big enough to house all 75.

For two years, 30 of the horses have been confined in stalls and the remaining were left outside in four small paddocks.

Those interested in donating to the Hampshire Quarter Horses Rescue Fund or adopting one of the horses should contact the rescue society at 847-382-0503.

The horses range in age from 6 to 27 years old. Ewing said younger horses will go for a minimum bid of $500 and older horses $100.