GALLATIN, Tenn. -- Some abused and neglected horses that have already been victimized once are feeling the effects of the money crunch.

Video: Money Crunch Keeps Budgets, Neglected Horses Thin

The price of feed and hay is up and has left many horse owners having to feed their families and struggling to feed their animals.

Even adoption of abused horses is way down, because in some cases, potential owners just can't afford to take care of them.

The situation has become an all too familiar sight for Jamie Clifton, a representative of Volunteer and Equine Advocates in Sumner County. Abused and neglected horses are not just a Sumner County problem.

"This year, we've taken in 17 from Marshall County, 15 from Giles County," Clifton said. "It's sad for the animals."

The unstable economy may be to blame.

"It's quite a burden in cost to take on a horse," said Sumner County Extension Agent Steve McNeil.

Some horse owners have also seen the price of hay skyrocket, which is mainly because of last summer's drought, and the cost of feed is up as well.

"We don't anticipate the price of round bails going down very much until the fall cutting," McNeil said.

Another trickle-down effect of the sagging economy is adoption of abused horses. Channel 4's Larry Flowers reported that some people are choosing not to adopt because they simply can't afford to feed another mouth.

"Choosing to buy the necessities to take care of their family, and their animals are suffering," Clifton said.

Volunteer Equine Advocates is taking care of about 30 abused and neglected horses. Some of the horses are in foster care.

The group is feeling the pinch of the slow economy and is spending more money taking care of the horses, and donations are not keeping up.

The Volunteer Equine Advocates are planning an adoption day at the end of the month and will also accept donations of cash or hay.

Click here to visit the Volunteer Equine Advocates Web site to find out how to help.

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