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Equine Rescue League

Animal rescue in Lovettsville, VA

Just as there are abused dogs and cats, there are neglected, abused and unwanted horses in the greater Washington Metropolitan area. Unfortunately, facilities capable of caring for large animals are limited.

More than 25 years ago in 1989, while working with humane officers investigating auctions, I personally saw more than 300 cases of horse abuse and neglect in our area in just one year! Unfortunately, even today abuse and neglect continues.

At this and other auctions, old, sick and crippled horses in severe pain were loaded on slaughter trucks facing a long and painful journey or death by trampling when they could no longer stand.

The following month, two colts not even one year old died Christmas Eve 1989 from starvation and exposure as they stood outside with no food or shelter from the cold wind. Their only source of water was a frozen pond.

Since founding the ERL in April 1990, I have learned no equine is immune to being mistreated. ERL has provided shelter to everything from miniature mules to draft horses, from unborn foals to 40-year-old mares, from grade horses of unknown breeding to granddaughters of Secretariat and Northern Dancer.

All can be subject to abuse or neglect and all are welcome to ERL. Unfortunately, the farm shelter has limited capacity and often horses in need must be turned away.

We have come as far as we have because of the efforts of horse lovers throughout the area, but we need your continued support to ensure the future operation of this shelter for abused equines, and to work toward improving our facility, enabling ERL to help eve more horses in the future.

In honor of Bitsy and others that could not be saved, I ask for your help. Let us work together to offer an end to the suffering for these innocent victims.

Pat Rogers
Founder

Contact
Address
Lovettsville, VA 20180
Horses Illustration

Adoptable pets at Equine Rescue League

This rescue doesn’t have any adoptable pets right now – check out adoptable pets nearby or start a custom pet search below.

We'll also keep you updated on Lani's adoption status with email updates.
Adopted
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Lani

Paint/Pinto

Female, Young
Lovettsville, VA
We'll also keep you updated on Poppie's adoption status with email updates.
Adopted
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Poppie

Miniature

Female, Senior
Lovettsville, VA
We'll also keep you updated on Charlie's adoption status with email updates.
Adopted
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Charlie

Paint/Pinto

Female, Adult
Lovettsville, VA

Rescue FAQs

The Equine Rescue League is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 1990 that supports the responsible use of working, sport and pleasure horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. Our goals are to prevent the neglect or abuse of any equine, to offer educational programs to the community, and to provide rehabilitation and adoption services for those animals in need of our services. We are based out of Lovettsville, Virginia on 20 acres at Promise Kept Farm, where we provide around the clock care to 20+ equines. We primarily serve Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Additional adoption info

Our adoption process is detailed at length on our website at www.equinerescueleague.org

Pets at shelters & rescues near Equine Rescue League

Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue, Inc.

PO Box 361,
Newington, VA 22122

Band for Animal

Fairfax, VA 22032

Pudens Place

Silver Spring, MD 20906

We'll also keep you updated on Bernard's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
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Bernard

Domestic Shorthair

Male, Adult
Front Royal, VA
We'll also keep you updated on CLASSIC TABBY COLLECTION's adoption status with email updates.
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CLASSIC TABBY COLLECTION

Domestic Mediumhair

Female, Kitten
Washington, DC
We'll also keep you updated on Bellagio's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Bellagio

Bellagio

Australian Shepherd

Female, 4 mos
Merrifield, VA
We'll also keep you updated on Tutu Kuwait (bonded with Juju Kuwait)'s adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Tutu Kuwait (bonded with Juju Kuwait)

Tutu Kuwait (bonded with Juju Kuwait)

Domestic Longhair

Male, 1 yr 6 mos
Merrifield, VA
We'll also keep you updated on TABB's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of TABB

TABB

Terrier (Unknown Type, Small)/Australian Shepherd

Male, 3 mos
Rockville, MD
We'll also keep you updated on Daisy's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Daisy

Daisy

Labrador Retriever

Female, Adult
Front Royal, VA

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