(WHAS11) - Abandoned horses are being found across Kentucky along state roads and in parks.
The extent of the problem is unknown but in Frankfort there are new measures to help these unwanted animals find new homes.
Quarter horses, family pets, show horses and thoroughbreds; every breed is turning up homeless.
Current law makes it difficult to adopt these abandoned horses.
Rescued horses buck and graze at a small horse farm off Bardstown Road in Jefferson County. All breeds find a home there when they've been abandoned.
It’s a real and growing problem in Kentucky that lawmakers are trying to correct.
Horses can end up sick and even starving, left roaming around like other unwanted pets.
The bill sponsored by Denver Butler will allow ownership of an abandoned horse in 90 days, currently it takes two years.
"We hope just to speed it up, take care of the horses and make the process easier," says Butler.
Many horses that are retired from the racetrack find homes due to the national non-profit organizations that raise money and place the thoroughbreds on farms.
The growing problem in Kentucky is one of economics. Hay and grain prices have gone through the roof.
County magistrates will be required to place a value on each animal and if at a later date, the horse is claimed by its original owner, and then this bill will allow for reimbursement of expenses.
