About Duchess Sanctuary

Jennifer Kunz

The Duchess Sanctuary is operated by The Fund for Animals in partnership with The Humane Society of the United States.

The 1,120-acre facility south of Eugene, Ore., established in 2008, is an oasis for about 200 formerly abused, abandoned, neglected, and homeless horses.

Mares rescued from the pregnant mare urine—or PMU—industry and their offspring make up the majority of the herd at the sanctuary. Other residents include orphaned mustangs, as well as horses rescued from auctions and feedlots.

Many of the former PMU mares spent decades in stalls, impregnated and hooked up to machines to collect their urine. These mothers were allowed only the industry standard of three months with their foals before they were removed. Some foals were fated to join their mothers on the PMU lines; others were sent to slaughter.

The Duchess Sanctuary is committed to providing the highest standards of equine care and basic loving kindness that these horses—and any future residents—deserve. Your support makes our work possible.