The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) awarded $546,789 in the form of 164 equine grants to rescue groups and humane organizations across the country in 2009, according to its just-released year-end report.

Grants were distributed in 40 states and the District of Columbia.

A major factor in dealing with large-scale cruelty seizures involves feeding malnourished equines, and a portion of approximately 113 grants went toward emergency hay and feed totaling more than $280,000 (more than 50%) of the total grants awarded.

Grants distributed by category include: 97 emergency hay grants; 31 grants for capital improvements; 27 grants for emergency disasters/seizures; five grants for improving professionalism/education; and three grants for Return to Freedom, the American Wild Horse sanctuary located in Lompoc, Calif