The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has announced that it awarded $1,682,352 in the form of 183 grants to support equine rescue groups in 38 states in 2011. This number represents a $600,000 increase over 2010, the first year equine grants exceeded the million dollar mark.

"With record drought and hay prices in the stratosphere, we are thrilled the ASPCA Equine Fund has been able to extend its support to so many more agencies in need," said Jacque Schultz, senior director of the ASPCA Equine Fund. "In these tough economic times, many equine organizations would not have been able to help horses without additional funding. The ASPCA remains committed to equine rescue and welfare efforts."

Twenty-seven percent of the equine grant money was distributed to 13 thoroughbred rescue organizations in 2011, the second year of the Million Dollar Rescuing Racers initiative, a program to save retired racehorses from neglect, abuse, and slaughter.

In addition, 70 equine organizations received 23% of the funds to provide emergency feed support, including funds that were distributed through the "Hay Bale-Out" program for horses impacted by the high cost and low supply of hay in drought-stricken Texas and Oklahoma