Broomfield, Colo. — The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Welfare has selected ten applicants to receive a total of $200,000 to help improve the well-being of Colorado’s domestic horses. During the competitive grant process, a panel consisting of horse experts reviewed more than 30 applications requesting more than $1M in funding, and selected projects that would have the greatest impact on domestic equine welfare.
“From helping our farmers and ranchers to guiding outdoor enthusiasts through our iconic landscapes, horses and donkeys play an important role in Colorado life. This support will help improve the welfare of these animals through outreach and helping horses and donkeys get the emergency and veterinary care they need,” said Governor Polis.
“This funding will help the grantees enhance education and outreach activities, provide critical emergency care and veterinary services, and support shelters dedicated to Colorado’s domestic equine population,” said Joe Stafford, Director of the Colorado Division of Animal Welfare. “By focusing financial support on these vital areas, these grants can make a significant impact in helping ensure that every equine in Colorado receives the care and support they deserve.”
The grant funding is meant for domestic equine welfare projects in Colorado to support education, outreach, as well as emergency and veterinary services for domestic equines in the state. A domestic equine is a horse, burro, donkey, or mule that has been tamed and kept as a work or companion animal.
“I was proud to sponsor HB24-1458 which created the Division of Animal Welfare and funded a new grant program to aid recipients that embody strong equine welfare standards. As a fierce animal welfare advocate I am excited to support the grantees in their work that makes such a positive impact for our domestic equines,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran.
The following projects were selected as grant recipients:
- Blue Rose Ranch (Baca County)
- Burro Base Camp (Elbert County)
- Colorado Horse Rescue (Boulder County)
- Colorado Unwanted Horse Alliance (Statewide)
- Colorado State University Equine Sciences Program (Statewide)
- Denver Dumb Friends League Harmony Center (Statewide)
- Horse Protection League (Jefferson County)
- Jefferson County Horse Council (Jefferson County)
- Metaphorse (Montrose County)
- Mustang Ambassador Program (El Paso County)
The Equine Welfare Assistance Grant program is funded through HB24-1458, sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Ryan Armagost and Senators Rachel Zenzinger and Dylan Roberts. These competitive grants will be available again in Fiscal Year 2025/26. The grant application, requirements and contact information will be available on the Equine Welfare Assistance Grants website in the second quarter of 2025.
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