white horses available for adoption, be sure to look at the white horse page.  Thank you all for your concern, we are all grateful to the people who were on the scene, and did such a wonderful job during the rescue.

On Saturday, October 27th 2007, a double deck semi trailer containing 59 draft type horses overturned on hwy 41 in Wadsworth Illinois on route to a sale barn in Minnesota.  (This sale barn is frequented by killer buyers)  In 2006 a law was passed banning the use of double deck trailers to transport equines to slaughter for human consuption.  Those responsible for the verbage of this law left a loophole large enough for this double deck trailer to drive through.  

  Donna received a call at 11 pm, from a HARPS volunteer who lives in the area of Wadsworth Illinois.  Donna was informed of the situation and quickly called the local fire department to offer HARPS assistance and the use of our Equine Ambulance.  The situation was well under control thanks to the chief of the Newport Fire Department and his crew as well as many local horse owners.  The Newport Fire Department had previously attended the Emergency Rescue Training program through The Lake County Mounted Posse.  Photos from the scene of the accident ~ caution, these images may be too graphic for some viewers.

We have received numerous phone calls and e-mails offering support and questions about adopting the surviors of the accident.  Donna called the insurance company and offered HARPS assistance.  The Great Western Insurance Company has been most sympathetic and helpful and wants to be sure that these horses go to good homes and not to slaughter.  HARPS will in fact be in charge of the adoption process when the horses receive a clean bill of health.  Rescuers from the accident will have the first opportunity to adopt, and then the remaining horses will be offered to the public, qualified homes only.  Details on the horses available for adoption will be posted as the information becomes available.  Below is a slideshow of the horses as of November 3rd.  They were all receiveing treatment for their wounds, being rinsed, walked, and as you'll see ~ loved.  HARPS has received phone calls and e-mails from every corner of the country; expressing concern, questions about adopting one or several of the horses, offers to help and outrage regarding the double deck trailer packed with 57 innocent creatures who were no doubt headed for slaughter.  As tragic as it was, this accident saved their lives, and may help to save others from a similar fate by getting the transportation laws changed.