How to find help for an abused or neglected horse

If you have ever seen an abused or neglected animal you probably had a mix of emotions. The strongest being to help the animal. With pets (i.e. dogs, cats) it is pretty simple, with horses it is increasingly difficult. In this article I will walk you through the steps to getting that animal the help it needs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• A strong will
• A good speaking voice
• A phone
• A phonebook
• A camera
• And persistency

1. Underweight and overgrown hooves, this little beauty needed help! The first thing you need to do, is call the local sheriff (animal control dept.). Horses aren't usually covered by the city laws. Give the sheriff a detailed description of the horse, where it is, the condition it is in at the time of the call and whether is appears to be an emergency (since you are most likely not a vet, go off of if the horse is bleeding or anything is broken.) The sheriff will take down your information and tell you when he/she plans on taking a look.
2. This is where it gets important to be persistent. Call the sheriff back the day they say they are going to look. This helps them keep their priorities straight and also lets them know you are serious and aren't going away. If nothing is getting done and they don't seem to "into" it you have other steps to take.
3. Document the condition of the horse with pictures and video. Make sure there is a time/date stamp. Show up at the sheriff's office with the photos. This again, lets them know you mean business. The sheriffs department deals with hundreds of calls, so it is helpful for them to know you are one of the serious complaints. Keep taking pictures and notes of the animals condition as time goes on. If the case goes to court your evidence may help!
4. If the sheriff department isn't doing things fast enough (as they weren't in the case I was involved in) take different steps. Get a-hold of a rescue organization. Sometimes they are able to talk to someone in the sheriff dept that will help. Get a-hold of local vets, these people spend their lives helping animals and believe me, they will help! Still keep in touch with the sheriff each day.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't give up, you ARE that horses voice!
• Think of the steps as a guide, you can get a-hold of all the venues right off the bat and possibly get a better response.
• Look for other organizations that are there to help, use the internet or the vets to find these places.
• Do NOT enter the property where the horse is, though you want to help, following the law is the only way to get the owner brought to justice and keep you out of trouble.
• Don't get rude with any department you talk to for help, they are all working hard on many things and you have to give them a chance.
• And again, please don't give up, you could be the deciding factor in the rest of that horse's life.