How to Report a Horse Owner for Neglect

If you want to help increase the integrity of the equestrian industry, it is important that you report horse neglect as soon as you suspect it. Neglect is not necessarily intentional abuse, but involves an owner who doesn't supply a horse with adequate food, water and shelter. A neglected horse can develop several psychological and physical problems and may horses die from this condition every year.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Telephone
• Name of owner
• Location of horse
• Evidence

1. Write down the name of the horse owner if you have access to it. This doesn't mean that you should take extra investigative steps, but if there is a name on the mailbox or if you know the owner personally, this information will help authorities to properly investigate the situation.
2. Record the address where the horse is located. To report a horse owner for neglect, you need to be able to tell authorities where they can find the animal. An address is ideal, but you can use landmarks or intersections to describe the location if that is all you have.
3. Collect evidence of neglect. For example, if you are driving by a field and you see a hopelessly skinny and undernourished horse in the pasture, you might stop to take a picture. If nothing else, this can convince authorities that there is a problem in significant need of their attention.
4. Call a veterinarian if the horse is in need of immediate medical attention. This might be the case, for example, if a horse is suffering from neglect at your stable. If you do this, however, be prepared to be held responsible for the bill.
5. Contact a local animal rescue association to report horse neglect. This might be a large organization, such as the SPCA (see Resources), or it might be a smaller outfit that is central to your city or town. Whatever the case, make sure they have investigative powers before you make the call.
6. Follow up with the rescue organization until they have completed an investigation. Your phone calls or emails might help convince them to take action, and you can also report further observations if you have any.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not risk your own safety in collecting evidence of horse neglect. If you don't have any physical proof, let the authorities collect it.
• Never trespass to collect evidence against a horse owner for neglect.