Saving Horses, Helping Heroes
Paws of War launches initiative to rescue horses from slaughter and expand equine therapy for veterans.
Paws of War, a nonprofit that rescues animals and provides service dogs to veterans and first responders, is expanding its mission beyond companion animals with the launch of the Humane Warriors Initiative, a new program aimed at rescuing horses from the slaughter pipeline while pairing them with veterans, active-duty military personnel and first responders through equine-assisted therapy.
The Nesconset, New York-based nonprofit said the initiative will focus on rescuing horses destined for slaughter, providing rehabilitation and veterinary care, and integrating the animals into therapeutic programs designed to support those coping with the physical and emotional effects of military service and emergency response work.
“Like others, we are disgusted by the horse slaughter industry and are going to do everything in our power to help rescue and protect as many horses as we possibly can,” said Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War. “We invite others who are equally disturbed to take part in supporting this initiative. Our strength in coming together will do a lot of good for both horses and first responders.”
According to the organization, the Humane Warriors Initiative is built around three program areas: the
Frontline Heroes Initiative, efforts to combat horse slaughter, and the At Ease wellness program.
The Frontline Heroes Initiative will rehabilitate rescued horses before matching them with veterans, active-duty service members and first responders. Paws of War said each horse will receive necessary medical treatment and rehabilitation before being placed into the program.
The nonprofit also plans to increase its efforts to rescue horses from the slaughter pipeline. Although horse slaughter facilities have not operated in the United States since 2007, the organization said more than 100,000 horses are transported annually to Canada and Mexico, where they are processed for the international meat market.
Paws of War noted that the issue has gained renewed attention in Congress, where lawmakers are considering legislation known as the Save America’s Forgotten Equine (SAFE) Act, which would prohibit the slaughter of horses and mules for human consumption as well as their transport for that purpose.
The initiative also expands the organization’s At Ease wellness program for military women. The program combines interactions with rescued farm animals, including horses, with activities such as kayaking, energy healing and Reiki to promote recovery and emotional well-being. The organization said rescued horses will play a central role in equine-assisted therapy for both veterans and active-duty service members.
Part of a broader mission
The Humane Warriors Initiative builds on Paws of War’s broader mission of helping both veterans and animals. The nonprofit provides service-dog training and companion-animal adoption and training, while also supporting military personnel and first responders through programs ranging from a no-cost mobile veterinary clinic to housing assistance for veterans with pets. The organization also provides lifetime care for retired military working dogs, operates a therapy-dog program for veterans and seniors, and offers emergency foster care for the pets of hospitalized veterans.
Paws of War’s animal-rescue work extends beyond the United States. The organization rescues dogs and cats that have been cared for by U.S. troops deployed overseas, including animals in war-torn regions, and provides disaster-response and animal-rescue services. Its broader approach is centered on what the organization calls “Helping Both Ends of the Leash” — pairing the needs of rescued animals with those of veterans, first responders and their families. The Humane Warriors Initiative represents an extension of that model, bringing horses into a mission that has historically focused primarily on dogs and cats.
Paws of War said it has already rescued several horses through the initiative, with one horse paired with a veteran named Chris. The animals are currently participating in therapy programs for veterans in upstate New York. The organization cited research published in Frontiers in Psychiatry indicating that equine-assisted interventions have demonstrated psychological benefits for veterans, including those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder.
“We are really passionate about this initiative and hope that others are as well and will get behind it and help support our efforts,” Misseri said. “We have to do something about this. One person may not make much of a difference, but when we all come together we have to. We are on a mission to help these horses.”
Photo courtesy of Paws of War
