Welcome to the

Illinois Equine Humane Center

New Humane Shelter Planned for Illinois Horses

A group of Illinois horse owners and equine advocates have announced plans to soon open the doors of a newly founded humane shelter and adoption center for horses. The Illinois Equine Humane Center, NFP (“ILEHC”) mission is to provide humane treatment and shelter while working as a clearinghouse to seek adoptive homes for all of Illinois’ unwanted equines, regardless of breed. The group also seeks to educate and raise awareness for responsible equine ownership so that fewer horses end up in crisis.

The ILEHC is modeled after the Kentucky Equine Humane Center (“KyEHC”) which was established by Kentucky horse owners, in April of 2007. The KyEHC was founded with the hope of serving as a model for other states who share their deep commitment and desire to protect horses from cruelty and neglect. The ILEHC is proud to be the first state to partner with the Kentucky group and to move the organization a step forward towards realizing their goal to one day see similar equine humane shelters throughout the nation.

“We are grateful to our Kentucky sister organization for having laid the groundwork for us, and for all the help and guidance they have shown us along the way,” said ILEHC President, Gail Vacca. “The Kentucky group has had great success serving horses within their state during their first 17 months of operation, and they have set the bar high for the ILEHC: a challenge that along with the support of Illinoisans, we too hope to meet with great success.”

With the cost of hay, feed, and fuel nearly doubling in the past few years the need for additional equine shelters is greater now than ever before.

“In times of economic challenge, animals are often the first to suffer,” added equine veterinarian and ILEHC Vice-President, Dr. Lydia Gray. “Illinois has long been known to be a leader in the advocacy for the humane treatment of its animals, and with the establishment of ILEHC we hope to realize a significant reduction in the number of abused and neglected horses throughout the state.”

The ILEHC is currently working to raise the necessary funds in order to secure a permanent home for the Center. Fundraising events are being planned and will be announced.