Premarin Foals Saved From
Slaughter in East Haddam

East Haddam, CT – Approximately 15 foals slated for either destruction or human consumption overseas will find sanctuary at Ray of Light Farm, an animal rescue and animal-assisted therapy center in East Haddam.
Ray of Light has partnered with Equine Angels Rescue Sanctuary (a Premarin foal rescue and adoption facility in New Milford, CT) for this rescue. Among thousands of unwanted "Premarin" foals across the country that are a by-product of Premarin* (an estrogen replacement therapy) production, these foals are lucky to find a home.
After some preliminary training occurs – with a concentration on interaction with humans, the foals will be placed for adoption. Great care will be taken at every turn to ensure the well being of the horses, and success of the adoptions.
Late 2007, Ray of Light and EARS conducted a rescue of 19 Premarin foals. The event garnered media coverage by Fox 61, WTNH and The Hartford Courant. The awareness that was raised about Premarin and the Premarin foals led to the successful adoption of 16 foals into loving homes.

About Premarin

*Premarin® is a conjugated estrogen product extracted from pregnant mares' urine (PMU). It is manufactured by Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, Inc., and is most commonly prescribed for estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) to relieve hormonal deficiency symptoms associated with menopause or hysterectomy. More recently, it has been prescribed to help prevent osteoporosis and heart disease. Premarin® is the most widely used ERT drug, marketed for more than 50 years, and currently administered to more than nine million American women. (http://www.hsus.org/horses_equines/issues/the_facts_about_premarin.html).

Fortunate Foals

According to The Humane Society of the United States, prospects for PMU foals are not good: "Farmers dispose of surplus foals. A few female foals may be kept for future PMU production, and some farmers even breed registered horses in hopes of selling the foals as riding prospects. Thousands of remaining foals are sent to unsheltered feedlots until they reach a desirable market weight. There they are slaughtered and their carcasses shipped to Europe and Asia for human consumption" (http://www.hsus.org/horses_equines/issues/the_facts_about_premarin.html).
Bonnie Buongiorne, Ray of Light's founder, is grateful for a second opportunity to help, "The fate of so many Premarin foals is heart-breaking. Although we can't help them all, we can give a few of them a chance at life."

About Ray of Light

Ray of Light Farm, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c) 3 public charity incorporated in 2004. Ray of Light offers a wealth of Community Programs for "children of all ages" and is committed to helping people make a positive connection with life through animals. Ray of Light is reliant upon the dedication of its staff and volunteers as well as the generosity of sponsors and donors. More information about Ray of Light can be found at http://www.rayoflightfarm.org/