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Horses Section - Horse Rescue
The article,
"Horse Rescue 101" written by Karen E. N. Hayes, DVM, MS, and summarized
below was published in the magazine, Horse & Rider, June
2001 edition, pg. 102.
"Horse Rescue
101" (summarized)
This short
summary does not do justice to this important article. I highly recommend
you find a copy for yourself at the local library, or check the Horse &
Rider website for further information at www.horseandrider.com
.
Dr. Hayes writes
that it's important not to take rescue attempts into our own hands.
It usually fails to resolve the problem and could be dangerous. She
explains how to take action with risk and how to avoid legal pitfalls.
She advices to "know your opponent". According to Idaho State Brand
Inspector Larry Hayhurst, "50 percent or more of the neglect and/or abuse
cases arise from ignorance."
The following
are the "six commandments of equine advocacy":
1.
Thou shalt not trespass. Dr. Hayes advises not to trespass onto
private property for any reason, even to bring feed to a hungry horse.
If you trespass, you are at risk for criminal charges, you jeopardize your
credibility, and put any case you might have against the owner at risk.
2. Thou
shalt stick to the facts and write them down. Describe the horse,
such as color, markings, scars, etc. Describe the horse's condition
and attitude. Describe the horse's environment. Document with
photos. Note the responsible party if known (owner's name, address,
etc.).
3.
Thou shalt follow a logical chain of command to report your findings.
If the horse is within city limits, call the municipal police. If
outside the city limits, call the sheriff. If west of the Rocky Mountains,
call the state brand inspector. If no luck, go to commandment #6.
4. Thou
shalt keep an open mind. Remember that you might not know the
whole story. Perhaps the horse is ill and under veterinary care.
Perhaps the horse is elderly, or the owner ill and unable to care to his/her
animals.
5.
Thou shalt be persistent. Follow up with the animal protection
officer to whom you have spoken. If you demonstrate that you're serious,
you'll be taken seriously.
6.
Thou shalt remember your friends in high places. If you have
followed the logical chain of command (#3) but have run into dead ends,
contact a higher authority, such as an equine welfare organization.
They might have state-given authority to investigate. Lastly, if
you're sure of your case but still are not having luck bringing attention
to it, alert the local media.
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