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There are tens of thousands of abused and neglected animals in the world. Nearly a third are hooved animals. Sadder still, most die before help comes or the abuse and neglect is discovered. Stronger laws are needed to prevent cruelty to any animal, and to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law anyone caught abusing them.
Many cases of neglect and abuse go unreported, especially in areas that do not have a humane society; but mostly because people are too busy looking the other way to get involved. Sometimes, all it takes is one phone call to save an animal from a life of pain and suffering. Witnessing the abuse or neglect of an animal is a heartbreaking experience. How easy it is to just drive or walk away believing someone else will intervene. What we're doing is allowing the abuse or neglect to continue and we're condemning the animal to death.
Sadly, equine abuse, neglect, illness, injuries and unnecessary death happen every day by selfish, uncaring owners who purposely deny their horses the proper care they so richly deserve. These owners, by far, are the worst perpetrators of abuse and neglect. These circumstances warrant immediate and lasting rescue measures and stricter laws to ensure that these perpetrators get back tenfold exactly what they gave out. Included among these perpetrators are equine trainers who use harmful, mean, and over-spirited measures to "train" horses. Unfortunately, horses abused in this manner do not always show physical signs of abuse. Only recorded evidence of the abusive training may prevent unknowing horse owners from hiring these so-called "trainers". Older horses , incapable of doing the things they once did are rewarded for their many years of unquestioned loyalty by being taken to auction houses. They can still be a valuble companion , but their owners can't or won't make the extra effort to give the horse the special care appropriate to its age and condition. Many young, healthy horses that don't live up to their owners expectations, for whatever reason, end up here too. If these horses were all going to good homes, this scenario wouldn't have a sad ending. Killer buyers, men and women, sit in the bleachers and calculate profit per pound of horse flesh. They leave the auction houses with their trailers loaded. Cherished friends bound for an inhumane end by slaughter. Are their owners being realistic? Do they actually care what its quality of life is likely to be? Sadly many horse owners fall on hard times and temporarily cannot provide adequate care for their horses. These unfortunate short-term circumstances do not constitute abuse and/or neglect, and do not mar their otherwise spotless record of horse care. But when the short term circumstances become long term, and the horse owner refuses to take appropriate measures to insure the safety and well being of their animals, for any reason, then technically, that horse owner has stepped over that fine line and becomes guilty of neglect themselves.
Here's a list of steps you can follow should you witness abuse or neglect of an animal.
Approach the Owner
If the animal's owner is at all approachable, speak with them first. Rule out any possibility that the animal is actually at a facility rehabilitating from someone else's abuse and/or neglect. And it's also quite possible, and very true today, that the pet owner is not aware of the animals needs. This is especially true of first time pet owners who purchase hard-to-keep animals or ones with special medical conditions they were not made aware of at the time of the purchase. If the owner appears hostile or threatening, walk away.
Collect Evidence
To establish credibility about any abuse case, document what you observe. Take still photos or videos from a public area close to the property where the abuse is taking place, whether it be a public highway or a sympathetic neighbors yard. Never trespass onto another's property without permission. It is important to note that in some jurisdictions, photos taken while on the owners property may be inadmissible as evidence should the case go to court. If possible, video tape your exact location to eliminate any doubt of trespassing while filming. Be sure to photograph all possible angles of the animals and property, showing there is food available, water (if available, is it clean?), condition of fences, any junk in the area where the animals are kept. Get pictures of scars, open sores, body condition etc. Narrate if you are video taping. It would be a good idea to have the date and time on the tape as well. Avoid the use of digital cameras when documenting abuse or neglect cases. If taken to court, it could be argued that digital photos were altered and enhanced .This could create a roadblock and harm your credibility if the question arises. If you are lucky enough to have the cooperation of an expert witness, such as a vet or other professional, ask them to accompany you and document their findings. Often times, these people do not want to get involved, so choose them wisely.
Contact the Proper Authorities
Get in touch with your local Humane Society or Department of Agriculture. If there are none in your area, then the local sheriff's office is the next logical step. Letting them view your photos and video tapes of the neglect and/or abuse case will help eliminate any thought of a hoax or false report. Some false abuse complaints are made in retaliation. Angry relatives or feuding neighbors for instance. Your evidence should support your complaint.
Get the Press Involved
If all attempts to get help for the animal falls on deaf ears, then, at this point, consider getting your local press involved in the case. Receiving unwanted attention and publicity for public officials that failed to take an interest in something as heart breaking as animal abuse, will sometimes get the ball rolling in the right direction. Be persistent and diligent, but don't brand yourself a trouble maker or your efforts to save the animal will be less effective.
First last and always, just get involved.You may be that animal's only hope. Please don't let it down.
Contact Information
If you need help finding the contact information for the local authorities, or the local press please let us know. We have begun a list of resources for you. If your county is listed, but the local press is not, please contact us via facebook and let us know the name of the local press. We will gladly add it to the page.
Click here to view a list of Ohio Counties, including contact information for each county's Sheriff and news.
Approach the Owner
If the animal's owner is at all approachable, speak with them first. Rule out any possibility that the animal is actually at a facility rehabilitating from someone else's abuse and/or neglect. And it's also quite possible, and very true today, that the pet owner is not aware of the animals needs. This is especially true of first time pet owners who purchase hard-to-keep animals or ones with special medical conditions they were not made aware of at the time of the purchase. If the owner appears hostile or threatening, walk away.
Collect Evidence
To establish credibility about any abuse case, document what you observe. Take still photos or videos from a public area close to the property where the abuse is taking place, whether it be a public highway or a sympathetic neighbors yard. Never trespass onto another's property without permission. It is important to note that in some jurisdictions, photos taken while on the owners property may be inadmissible as evidence should the case go to court. If possible, video tape your exact location to eliminate any doubt of trespassing while filming. Be sure to photograph all possible angles of the animals and property, showing there is food available, water (if available, is it clean?), condition of fences, any junk in the area where the animals are kept. Get pictures of scars, open sores, body condition etc. Narrate if you are video taping. It would be a good idea to have the date and time on the tape as well. Avoid the use of digital cameras when documenting abuse or neglect cases. If taken to court, it could be argued that digital photos were altered and enhanced .This could create a roadblock and harm your credibility if the question arises. If you are lucky enough to have the cooperation of an expert witness, such as a vet or other professional, ask them to accompany you and document their findings. Often times, these people do not want to get involved, so choose them wisely.
Contact the Proper Authorities
Get in touch with your local Humane Society or Department of Agriculture. If there are none in your area, then the local sheriff's office is the next logical step. Letting them view your photos and video tapes of the neglect and/or abuse case will help eliminate any thought of a hoax or false report. Some false abuse complaints are made in retaliation. Angry relatives or feuding neighbors for instance. Your evidence should support your complaint.
Get the Press Involved
If all attempts to get help for the animal falls on deaf ears, then, at this point, consider getting your local press involved in the case. Receiving unwanted attention and publicity for public officials that failed to take an interest in something as heart breaking as animal abuse, will sometimes get the ball rolling in the right direction. Be persistent and diligent, but don't brand yourself a trouble maker or your efforts to save the animal will be less effective.
First last and always, just get involved.You may be that animal's only hope. Please don't let it down.
Contact Information
If you need help finding the contact information for the local authorities, or the local press please let us know. We have begun a list of resources for you. If your county is listed, but the local press is not, please contact us via facebook and let us know the name of the local press. We will gladly add it to the page.
Click here to view a list of Ohio Counties, including contact information for each county's Sheriff and news.