Credentials - Making Sure You Are Prepared And Qualified

Of utmost importance is making certain those involved in the hands-on work of equine rescue are qualified to do the work they are doing and that they have the experience and training necessary to ensure things are done in the best interest of the horses they rescue. Too many rescue organizations and individuals who are actively involved in the rescue world are insufficiently qualified to make judgments on horses and give advice, yet many freely do so anyhow. To be sure you have adequate knowledge and are fully capable of responsible decisions relating to the care of horses, be sure to immerse yourself in asking questions of as many equine professionals as possbile.

Any rescue organization which does not concern itself with the qualifications of their officers and volunteers, nor have a process by which to satisfactorily determine the experience and knowledge of such individuals, is not a worthy organization. *Good* rescues go that extra mile to ensure the people who represent them do so in a courteous, professional and capable manner. This does not necessarily mean all officers and volunteers with a rescue organization need to be licensed County or State Animal Control Officers or trained extensively in such fields, however, such experience is definitely a plus.

Investigations And Follow-Up Checks

Vitally significant to the health of any rescued horse which has been adopted out, who resides with a foster home or that of any horse reported in an abuse or neglect case, is the initial investigation and follow-up visits. With any rescue organization, there should be strict policies in place relating to approval for both adoption and foster care. Adoptive and foster homes both must undergo a process during which they are evaluated for suitability. We recommend follow-up checks on all horses in foster care and adopted horses at least every two months. There should be forms to be filled out and filed with the organization regarding care received by all horses both in foster homes and adoptive homes. In the unlikely event (hopefully, after the initial investigation and interview) a horse has been placed into a dangerous or hazardous situation by the adopter or foster home, someone must be trained to investigate and there should be provisions to immediately remand custody of the horse(s) in question back to the rescue group as soon as possible. With most groups, adopted horses also remain under the ownership of the rescue organization at least for some time after the adoption process is complete and the adoption contract may well dictate the horse remains the property of the rescue for the lifetime of the horse to always ensure it's safety. While the ERRNet does not endorse any specific program or policy, we do support those groups who have the best interest of the horses they save in mind.

When it comes to abuse/neglect cases, of utmost importance is the role played by law enforcement in addition to the work of rescue organizations in this area. Rescuers have a responsibility to the equine community to help with the enforcement of cruelty laws, which we have listed on our Links page. This subject matter is covered on our Neglect And Abuse page, please visit for more details.

 

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