HAHS Holiday Party - This Saturday

The following press release was received from HAHS. Sounds like fun!!!

[December 1, 2009. Woodstock, IL] The Hooved Animal Humane Society (HAHS) is inviting everyone to their second annual Holidays at HAHS on Saturday, December 5 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Woodstock.

The holiday gathering features indoor pony rides for the children as well as carriage rides for all ages to enjoy colorful light displays throughout the farm. Enjoy Christmas carols and pictures with Santa in the Education Center while sipping hot beverages and sampling our sweet table with homemade goodies. Last minute gift ideas abound in the Tack Shop and a gift membership to HAHS is the year-round gift that keeps giving both to the recipient and to HAHS.

“It has always been a popular event,” says Hillary Clark, program director of HAHS. “It is a fun way for families to spend the day together while helping our horses at the same time.”

McHenry County is estimated to have the largest horse population in the state of Illinois. HAHS’ 26-acre farm, located in the heart of McHenry County in Woodstock, has five barns and an Education Center.

Photos and stories of horses, donkeys, goats and pigs saved by HAHS line the walls of the Education Center, which is used year-round for meetings, fundraisers, training sessions with emergency personnel and first responders, and seminars through the University of Illinois Extension Office for new and experienced horse owners alike. The Education Center is also used to teach children about proper horse care.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to talk to volunteers and find out more about sponsoring of one of the farm’s residents through the Adopt-A-Hoof program, volunteering at the farm and becoming a member of HAHS.

Admission and parking are free. All proceeds from this event benefit HAHS’ efforts to prevent the abuse and neglect of hooved animals.

The HAHS farm is located at 10804 McConnell Road in Woodstock, 1.25 miles east of Route 47 and north of the intersection of Routes 14 and 47. Directions, maps and more information are all available at www.hahs.org or by calling (815) 337-5563.

About the Hooved Animal Humane Society -

The Hooved Animal Humane Society (HAHS) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, founded in 1971. It is HAHS’ mission to promote the humane treatment of hooved animals through education, legislation, investigation and if necessary, legal intervention (impoundment). In addition, HAHS provides physical rehabilitation to animals that have endured severe neglect and abuse and then adopt them out to compassionate forever homes.

HAHS was the first humane society established in the United States to focus specifically on large animals, primarily horses, which had little representation until the formation of the Hooved Animal Humane Society. In 1973, HAHS was the driving force behind the passage of “The Humane Care for Animals Act.” Through the Illinois Department of Agriculture, this Act gives HAHS the legal authority to investigate claims of abuse and neglect and intervene when owners do not comply with notice to remedy the situation. The Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act is recognized as the legislative model when other states consider passing similar laws. HAHS receives no federal or state support; the organization is totally dependent upon contributions from fund raising activities, membership donations, grants and endowment gifts.

Contact: Hillary Clark, Hooved Animal Humane Society
815-337-5563 or e-mail: hillary@hahs.org