***URGENT PRESS RELEASE***
HELP NEEDED RESCUE MUST MOVE BY SEPTEMEBER 22, 2007


Dear friends and supporters,

For the last 16 years, the Equine Rescue League has operated a rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption center at Churchland Farm, just outside of Leesburg, Virginia. With your help and generosity, the ERL has made a difference in the lives of hundreds and hundreds of horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules since its founding in 1990. We have also aided local animal control offices, provided educational programs, and participated in many community events.

Now, however, the ERL needs your help more than ever before. Loudoun County has generously allowed us to lease a farm property from them for over a decade and half. We were there with the understanding that this would not be a permanent arrangement. It appears the ERL’s opportunity to occupy this facility is nearly over. The County has notified the rescue that they must leave the property by September 22, 2007.

It is our goal to continue the ERL’s operations, but in a different location. Therefore, we are asking for any and all help from anyone who can help us find or finance a new farm. We would appreciate assistance on procuring a property, raising funds, and soliciting donations or grants.

Please contact the Equine Rescue League office at 703-771-1240 if you can help us continue to help them!

Visit our website at http://www.equinerescueleague.org

EQUINE RESCUE LEAGUE FINDS NEW HOME
Move-in Slated for Late September

LEESBURG, VA, Aug. 8, 2007 -- Horse lovers and others concerned about the welfare of abused and neglected animals have cause to celebrate as the Equine Rescue League (ERL) announced today that it has found its forever farm in Lovettsville, Virginia.

For more than 16 years, the nonprofit ERL has been a haven for abused, neglected and abandoned horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. Loudoun County notified the League in May that the land it has leased near Leesburg since 1991 is needed for expansion of the county’s landfill.

Determined to continue her critical work rescuing, rehabilitating and finding new homes for dozens of animals every year, ERL director Pat Rogers put out a call for help. In addition to donations and offers of assistance from throughout the community, Rogers credits realtor Dean Makarita with helping find a suitable property and doing much of the additional legwork that led the ERL to the purchase of a ten-acre farm last week.

“After all these years we finally have our own property,” said a very happy Rogers. “I’m especially pleased to be staying in Loudoun County, where we have been wanted and supported for so long, to ensure that horses in need will have a safe refuge and the care they require.”

Rogers noted that the success of the League will continue to depend on the generosity of local residents and businesses, whose financial support and volunteer hours will be as important as ever going forward. In addition to costs associated with moving the League’s current occupants and relocating several barns, the ERL needs funding to build fences and install water lines on the property, as well as on-going contributions to purchase food, medical care and utilities. And, of course, there is that new mortgage payment.

“The best way for people to help is by contrituting to the new farm fund, but fostering or adopting our horses and ponies, lending a hand with farm work or helping in the office is always welcome,” she said.
The Equine Rescue League accepts horses from Loudoun and many neighboring counties. Since 1990, the ERL has helped more than 1,000 animals find new homes, receive compassionate care, and avoid auction and slaughterhouse abuse. The League also works with local humane societies and law enforcement to investigate cases of neglect and abuse and educates the public on proper horse care and stable management.
For more information, including success stories and details about equines currently available for foster or adoption, go to www.equinerescueleague.org or call 703-771-1240.