COOPER TOWNSHIP -- The SPCA doesn't just help dogs and cats. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals helps horses, too.
But now, the horses need your help. The SPCA near Danville is raising money to get a matching grant.
Right now the SPCA near Danville can house up to 10 horses at a time. Sometimes, there are more horses that need help, so they must go to foster families. With a $20,000 grant, the SPCA will double its capacity and build all-new fencing.
The facility in Montour County is the only SPCA in the state that houses horses. So far, they've rescued horses in more than 15 counties.
"We've got a lot of horses throughout the state, and unfortunately that means there's situations of abuse and neglect and we're one of the places that can help with that," said shelter manager Carlee Fiddes.
Right now, the shelter has enough room to house 10 horses, but that could soon change. The SPCA near Danville is eligible for federal grant money. But to get that money, the shelter must raise $10,000 to match the grant.
"As long as we can raise $10,000, they will match that dollar for dollar and provide that back to us. For every donation we get, it's basically doubling those donations," Fiddes explained.
The fundraising campaign is called, "Funding our Fillies."
"Right now, we've got short fencing and we've got an electric wire to keep them in and keep other animals out. We don't like that. We want other fencing that we don't need the electric wire for," said Fiddes.
With that grant, the SPCA will be able to double the number of horses they can house, up to 20.
"Hopefully we can get more in that we can help and find more homes for," said SPCA official Jennifer Springer.
Giving the horses the best care possible is important because they are all up for adoption, just like the dogs and cats.
"We just require a barn inspection, but other than that, all of them need homes," said Springer.
The shelter manager at the SPCA would like to raise the money by August so construction can start in September. Click here if you'd like to donate.