Horse surrenders throughout New England have reached a critical point, said the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA). Horse owners are battling the high costs of feed, hay, and stabling amidst a poor economy. The result is an increasing number of horses being surrendered to the MSPCA's Equine Center at Nevins Farm in Methuen.

The MSPCA's Equine Center regularly accepts horses from owners struggling to make ends meet. In 2007, the non-profit cared for 21 surrendered horses; however, that number climbed to 70 horses surrendered in 2009. Following the record-breaking number of horses surrendered last year, the MSPCA continues to care for more equines with five surrendered in the last two days.

"We have not seen a continuous stream of surrendered horses like this before," said Melissa Ghareeb, Nevins Farm's barn manager. "Horse owners are struggling, horses are suffering and our resources are dwindling. We need our supporters now more than ever, in any way that they can help."

The MSPCA requires an average of $320 every month to provide basic care for each horse, not including specialty medical treatment. They are currently caring for 28 horses at its Methuen farm and 17 additional equines in foster care