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Adopting a PMU Horse
The PMU industry (PMU stands for pregnant mares’ urine) provides the estrogen-rich raw material for the production of the widely used women’s hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) drugs Premarin®, PremPro®, and related products. Premarin has been marketed since 1942.
Growing concern about poor conditions on PMU ranches in the mid-1990s led to the adoption of an industry-enforced Code of Practice for the care of the horses, and better breeding programs. Still, many foals born to production mares end up at slaughterhouses.
A better understanding of the risks of long term HRT led to drastic cuts in production by the manufacturer, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, starting in the fall of 2003. More than 20,000 horses, most of them pregnant, were potentially affected by the initial cuts. While we’re encouraged by the cuts, the “unemployed” horses will be needing good homes.
One way you can help PMU mares and foals is to support the ASPCA Equine Fund. If you can provide a good home for one or more of them, please consider adopting.
The following horse-rescue organizations are listed alphabetically:
Dreamchaser PMU Rescue and Rehabilitation
The Responsible Animal Care Society (TRACS)
Note: There are many other organizations involved in placing PMU horses. The ASPCA has not fully evaluated those listed and can make no guarantees of any kind. Potential adopters are advised to read all materials carefully, ask questions, check independent references, and proceed with caution.
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