The reality of thse economic times is not pretty for many horses but local officials could greatly assist if they would start being proactive rather than reactive. Counties could be working with local professionals to set up sites where owners can take horses they can no longer feed. If they are old or crippled or homes could not be found they could be humanely euthanised. Free euthanization or burial would be a lot more cost effective and humane than trying to rehabilitate horses brought to the point of death through starvation. Lets quit moaning about the lack of slaughter facilities and start doing something positive. The previous comment about poor reporting is right on the mark. Best get off your duffs reporters.