The Houston Humane Society is now expanding its adoption program by including farm animals. The shelter currently has five horses, a donkey, a mule and a potbelly pig. Many of the animals were rescued from animal cruelty and neglect situations.
“This program marks an exciting milestone for us,” said Princess Bednarski, livestock manager for Houston Humane Society. “All farm animals deserve loving, safe environments where they can thrive. By expanding rescue and adoption efforts beyond typical house pets, our hope is that we can place these animals with responsible pet owners and ultimately make a lasting impact in both rural and urban communities.”
KPRC 2 reporter Corley Peel spoke with Bryce Madison, who is involved in the Ridge Point High School FFA.
Bryce was the first person to adopt two horses from the Houston Humane Society. He said he has a passion for horses and when he saw Miss Cookie, he knew he had to take her home. He said the skittish mare survived serious abuse and neglect.
“She was hungry. You could see the ribs and her spine,” said Madison.
Madison said he couldn’t leave the shelter without Diamond. She and Miss Cookie were a package deal after experiencing starvation together. He said Diamond suffers from separation anxiety when she is not near Diamond. Madison said Miss Cookie is not ridable right now, but Diamond has been able to saddle up and ride with caution. He hopes to train the horses for trail rides and rodeo events.
“My goal is to teach other people how to take care of horses and how to get into the horse industry.”
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Madison said he plans to adopt more horses in the future and launch a camp where children can learn how to train, ride and properly care for horses.
In collaboration with Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society, Houston Humane Society has developed its own behavioral and medical assessments to make sure livestock are physically and mentally ready for adoption. The Houston Humane Society said the adoption process is through the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), where adoptable animals can be viewed here.
According to a press released from HHS, the expansion process began in 2024, with the program officially launching in Feb. 2025.
As one of the few animal welfare organizations in Houston offering this type of program, Houston Humane Society works with law enforcement to rescue farm animals from cruelty and abuse cases. At this time, the organization is focusing on livestock rescued from these situations, with plans to begin accepting surrendered farm animals next year.
Houston Humane Society is located at 14700 Almeda Road and is open seven days a week.
For more information on supportive programs and services available through Houston Humane Society, visit their website here.