The Humane Society of Louisiana is coordinating its fourth annual Mardi Gras Parade Horse Adoption Program. In the past extra horses needed to be used in parades were sent to auction, where they could be in danger of heading to slaughter.
Humane Society Director Jeff Dorson says the program has proven to be successful.
“Luckily the past three years we’ve found great homes for all 55 horses that were up for adoption,” said Dorson.
In the past potential adopters would choose from available horses after Carnival season, but with the program’s increased popularity, Dorson says they are seeing a new progression.
“It’s become part of a new tradition that people can’t wait to see what type of horses are available, they look for them during the parades and they’ve already reached out to us for the last few weeks,” said Dorson.
This year 20 horses are up for adoption and more than half have already been adopted. Several families have already been approved by the Humane Society of Louisiana’s adoption team so Dorson is confident they will have another banner year.
“People have been very generous throughout the whole region, they look forward to this part of Mardi Gras season where they can proudly say they own a Mardi Gras horse,” said Dorson.
You can visit their facebook.com/mardigrashorses for adoption information and photos of available horses.
