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The Mississippi Animal Rescue League’s Dream for a New Horse Facility Now a Reality Billy Barr enters the 30 acres of rolling pasture through an electric gate at the new Jeffrey Fowler Hudson Horse Facility. He honks his horn as several eager horses, burros and goats hurry to greet him. Most of these animals have been abandoned, starved, and cruelly mistreated by humans. Billy has been involved with the Mississippi Animal Rescue League (MARL) in one way or another for 25 years. He feeds and takes care of the animals everyday. It’s not just a job for Billy but a mission. “I was put on the earth to do this, it’s a mission. My goal is to save as many horses as I can and put them in good homes. That’s my reward.” states Billy. In the spring of 2007, Mississippi’s oldest and largest full service rescue society moved into it’s $2.5 million shelter and horse facility. The pasture has plenty of shade trees, a pond and two barns that provide a nice sanctuary for the horses. MARL has been receiving more abused and neglected horses in the recent past, so the new facility and additional acreage couldn’t have come at a better time. MARL rescued 31 horses last year and has had as many as 35 at one time. Most of these horses are adopted, a few will be permanent residents, and sadly a few have had to be humanely euthanized. Billy has numerous stories to tell of the abuse, neglect and sometimes outright cruelty inflicted on these animals. Many of his past cases are too shocking for most people to even imagine. “These horses have saved my sanity.” states Billy. “There have been days when it’s been more than I wanted to see. I come out here and watch the horses.” continues Billy. “Watching the horses progress in their trust of humans, their weight gain and overall health helps to keep me going. When you do something for an animal they never forget.” To learn more about MARL’s adoption program you can contact: |
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