Animal welfare and anti-PMU advocates were encouraged by the closure of these farms however this left thousands of unwanted horses who were not useful to ranchers.
- In 2003, Wyeth (Pfizer) created a $3.7 million trust fund to help transport the horses to recreational auctions and equine rescues centers.
- Wyeth also compensated farmers who kept their horses or found them new homes.
- Many activists felt this financial contribution was the bare minimum efforts (Michigan State University College of Law, 2013).
Unfortunately, given the huge number of horses majority were destined for slaughter as farmers would receive more immediate financial relief.
Adoption
Organizations were started dedicated to adopting out PMU horses
- http://www.gentlegiantsdrafthorserescue.com/pmuindustry.html
- http://dreamchaserhorserescue.rescuegroups.org/
- http://www.equinevoices.org/horses/programs/give-horse-loving-home/
This help alleviate the unwanted horse problem however finding suitable homes was difficult as majority of the horse had hardly been exposed to human contact.