The Illinois Equine Humane Center was founded in 2008 specifically to address the need in Illinois to protect horses from cruelty, neglect, and slaughter. Illinois Equine Humane Center and its founders played a vital role in the closure of the slaughter plant formerly operated in nearby DeKalb, IL.

Since its inception, Illinois Equine Humane Center has rescued numerous horses of all breeds, including many Thoroughbreds, from undesirable situations, and has served as an outlet for responsible owners looking to place their racehorses into good homes.