Making The First Move - Reporting Neglect Or Abuse

If an officer, volunteer or member of a rescue organization notices or is notified of a neglected or abused horse, the first step toward that horse's eventual salvation is to report the neglect or abuse to the proper authorities, which may include Animal Control, the local Sheriff or Police Department and/or the District Attorney's office. Never, ever take an animal from it's owner without a proper court order: You could be subjected to a fine, imprisonment or both for horsetheft, even if you feel you are acting in the best interest of the horse at the time. In 99.9% of such cases, the horse is returned to the owner and the individual(s) who took it are penalized by the courts rather than a case against the abusive owner being pursued. There is NO right way nor reason to steal a horse. Period.

Receiving Complaints

When an individual makes a report of neglect or abuse to a rescue organization, the group has a responsibility (as outlined above) to forward such reports to the proper authorities. First, however, it is advised that the rescue send an investigator of their own out to decide if the situation indeed warrants action. In most cases, there is time to make such a decision without endangering the lives of any horses involved, though not always. Should the situation be presented to the rescue as dire, we recommend immediate reporting to the local authorities and an immediate follow-up investigation by the rescue organization to ensure things were handled in a satisfactory manner. If the reported abuse or neglect does not truly exist as presented to the rescue, generally none will be the worse for wear, so to speak, which complies with that age old adage: Better safe than sorry. Perhaps the person(s) who's horse(s) had been reported to the authorites and/or the rescue group will be less than pleased under the circumstances, as no one *likes* to be placed into such a position, however, if you take the time to explain how all concerns need to be investigated for the benefit of the horses, most will be understanding.

Document Everything

Make certain you keep detailed and accurate records of the entire case, from start to finish, including photographs of the horse and it's enviorns. Capture as much of the case on film as possible, videotape is ideal. For a case to be successfully prosecuted, it must be airtight. This means the DA will not press the matter if he/she does not think they have a winner in front of a jury. Generally, you will need a veterinarian's advice on the depth of such cases. By photographs, the vet will be able to tell if the horse is in need of immediate care, which can lead to the horse being seized by authorities and placed with a rescue group until release for adoption or auction. **Please Note**: Many horses seized in such actions are placed up for public auction under the law, which does not give discretion to local authorities as to how the horses themselves should be handled. Sometimes a judge will turn over jurisdiction of seized horses to a rescue group, however, so know this option might be open.

Testifying In The Case

Since everything should be documented in chronological order and extensive photographic evidence submitted, making a case for the authorities should be fairly easy. Once called to testify regarding a neglect or abuse case, remember not to let emotions get the better of you, remain professional and direct at all times. Address the evidence itself and not the defendant. A deputy in the DA's office will most likely help you prepare, in scheduled meetings. Remember, this is about doing what is right for the horse(s) involved and not revenge against a neglectful or abusive owner. Both the judge and jury will be watching your every move, so save yourself the pain of seeing the abuser walk away because you lost your cool. In this day and age more and more neglect/abuse cases are being pursued and prosecuted with larger numbers of abusers receiving jail time at sentencing. Do your job right and you could be offering more and more horses freedom in the future!

In The Aftermath: Caring For The Horse(s)

Neglected, starved and abused horses need special care, as most in equine rescue realize. Please visit our Links page for more information on rehabilitating horses, including nutrition, veterinary treatment and farrier care. Finding foster and adoptive homes for severely neglected or abused horses can be difficult. Be up front with potential adopters or foster care providers as to the horse's background. The goal is to ensure a long, safe, healthy and happy life for the horses who have been saved!

 

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