Shelter Me: South Jersey Horse Rescue

WEEKSTOWN, N.J. (WPVI) -- South Jersey Horse Rescue is a non-profit farm nestled in the Pine Barrens.

The farm is working to put a stop to the black market for horses.

"We've had horses with burn marks and whip marks, and they are being killed and made into meat," says South Jersey Horse Rescue Executive Director, Ellen Strack.

Strack started this horse hospice almost 8-years ago.

"We give them medical care, do training and then put them up for adoption," Strack says.

Since opening, Strack and her team of volunteers have saved more than 120 horses.

Strack urges the community to come out and join them.

"Do anything. If you want to spend time with a horse, I'm going to give you a horse to spend time with," says Strack.

People are also encouraged to adopt the horses.

Dokken is named after the 80's hard rock band because of his striped hair. He came from a kill pen with his mother.

"When they came in they were so thin," says Strack.

Dokken is now fully recovered and would be perfect for a small child.

Jasper, the son of the famous racehorse Smarty Jones, would make a great companion horse.

"His knees are gone so he lives on pain medications, but he is fine," Strack says.

Aurea was pulled from an auction in New Holland, with hooves in poor condition.

"We spent about $6,000 on surgery because this is one of the nicest horses you could ever want to meet," says Strack.

And Pixie is a miniature horse that likes car rides, and even parades.

If you're interested in any of the animals featured in this report, you can visit the South Jersey Horse Rescue website.

And, if you'd like us to share your shelter success stories, post a picture to the FYI Philly Facebook page using #6abcshelterme and tell us where you adopted your pet and how much they mean to you.

We'll be featuring your stories on upcoming Shelter Me segments.

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