PMU Foal Acquisition Network, Inc. (FANI) is a non-profit corporation run by volunteers and is a U.S. 501(c)3 charitable organization dedicated to placing quality bred PMU foals into responsible homes.

PMU stands for PREgnant MARe UrINe, which has been harvested from pregnant mares for use in hormone replacement therapy drugs for women since the 1940's.

For approximately six months from fall through spring, the pregnant mares live in the "pee barns," forced to stand in stalls with urine collection devices strapped to them. The stalls are deliberately narrow to prevent pregnant mares from turning around and detaching the collection cups. In the last month of their eleven-month pregnancy, the mares are put out to pasture to have their foals. The mares are put in a herd with a stallion, so they quickly become pregnant again. In September, their foals are taken away from them to be sold, whether or not they are fully weaned. The next month, they're back in the barns and the cycle starts again. Foals not purchased directly from farmers often to to auction.  Among the bidders are kill buyers, who will take the foals to feedlots to be fattened for slaughter. 

Each fall, FANI buys PMU foals from auctions in the US and Canada that were born of actively producing PMU mares. These foals are placed in foster homes until an approved buyer can be found. FANI also offers a limited number of subsidies to approved buyers to buy foals at auction or directly from farmers.

We are able to accept tax-deductible donations through Pay Pal and mail. If you would like more info on our 501(c)3, please send a self-addressed, stamped, envelope with a note including your name, address and phone number to: Kim Berger, Treasurer, PMU Foal Acquisition Network, Inc., P.O. Box 395 Fallston, Maryland 21047-0395.

E-Mail Message Board To find out how last year's foals are doing or if you have questions about previously placed FANI PMU foals, join the message board and become part of the discussion!

Last Updated: 01.25.10