The tough economy is being felt across many platforms, even in the horse capital of the world.
Marion County's Animal Services department has seen an increase in the number of horses neglected, malnourished and abandoned.
Currently, the department is trying to adopt out six horses, plus one miniature horse. Some of those horses were left behind y their owner.
One local equestrian veterinarian says some horse owners may be skipping out on proper medical upkeep for their horses, which can lead to systemic diseases.
"People are cutting back on the cost of vaccinations annually, and consequently, we see these diseases, which sometimes can be quite fatal and sometimes transmissible to humans, which is quite a serious problem," Dr. Turlough McNally of Ocala's Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital told TV20. He says horse owners need to be aware of the cost to properly take care of a horse, which runs at about $5,000 a year, without encountering a medical problem.
Most of the horses up for adoption through Animal Services are thoroughbreds. The adoption fee is $140.00, and the horses are buy one, get one free. The fee includes a microchip and Coggins papers. Interested residents can visit www.marioncountyfl.org/animalservices.htm