This paper presents the results of an investigation to determine perceptions, awareness, and knowledge of the unwanted horse population in Illinois from the viewpoint of horse owners, non-horse owners, and equine industry stakeholders. A questionnaire included items that pertained to knowledge of current legislation, equine background, current methods of controlling the unwanted horse population, and methods that respondents believe would reduce the unwanted horse population in Illinois. Results indicated that 58% of horse owners viewed horses as companion animals. Respondents perceived financial hardship to be the major reason why horses become unwanted. Current methods of managing unwanted horse populations were found to be ineffective. Reducing the costs of euthanasia and carcass disposal, allowing processing facilities to reopen in Illinois, and increasing the availability of gelding programs emerged as the most effective ways to manage the unwanted horse population. Results of this survey may lead to greater awareness of the unwanted horse population in Illinois. Furthermore, these results may lead to discussions about future legislation in the State designed to support and manage unwanted horses.

本文介绍了从马主，非马主和马业利益相关者的角度确定伊利诺伊州有害马种群的看法，认识和知识的调查结果。一份调查表包括与以下方面有关的知识：当前的法规知识，马的背景，目前控制有害马种群的方法以及受访者认为会减少伊利诺伊州有害马种群的方法。结果表明，58％的马主将马视为伴侣动物。受访者认为财务困难是导致马不受欢迎的主要原因。发现目前管理有害马群的方法无效。降低了安乐死和cas体处置的成本，从而使伊利诺伊州的加工设施得以重新开放，并增加了胶合程序的可用性，成为管理有害马群的最有效方法。这项调查的结果可能会导致人们更加了解伊利诺伊州不受欢迎的马群。此外，这些结果可能会导致讨论该国旨在支持和管理不需要的马匹的未来立法。