What to Report
Ultimately it is up to the authorities to determine whether or not a
particular equine abuse or neglect situation is actionable. This process
typically involves a thorough investigation, often times while the
animal(s) remains in the custody of the owner. For this reason, it is
imperative that if you suspect an equine neglect or abuse situation that
you report it as quickly as possible. Here are some things to do that
will help the process:
Written Documentation
The first step in your efforts of reporting equine neglect or abuse
is to attempt to document what you witnessed. This means recording a lot
of data to include:
• Date, time, and address or location of
where the incident occurred or is occurring;
• What you perceive the
problem to be or what you personally witnessed;
• How long it has
been occurring;
• Description of the equine(s) in
question including size, breed, color, markings etc.;
• Description
of the person(s) involved and names, if known;
• Description of the
horse’s environment;
• Date(s), time(s) and
information discussed (including phone calls, emails, letters or verbal
contact)
with either the owner, person involved or law enforcement
agency; and
• Any other pertinent information.
Photographic Documentation
The saying goes that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ and when
it comes to documented proof, photographic evidence is always helpful in
situations involving equine neglect or abuse.
It is important, however,
that the people collecting such evidence not put themselves in harm’s
way or violate the law when doing so. It is better to report the
situation to animal control than to attempt to intercede.