Horse World

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Unfortunately horse abuse and neglect is prevalent in the United States and around the world. Typically most of the reported cases turn out to be false. Often the reported horse is under vet care for an illness or is a very old horse with normal aging problems.

There are some guidelines for determining if abuse or neglect is present and ways in which to report such atrocities.

Different breed have different acceptable appearances and you really cannot compare different breeds to each other.

There are many factors outside of the weight question, which should be considered.

• Factors such as coat appearance. Is the coat dirty, dull, unkempt looking.
• Does the horse look like it is suffering from muscular atrophy, cracked or split hooves?
• Does the horse have obvious sources of feed or water near it?
• Are there obvious litter or hazardous junk on the ground?
• Is the fencing in disrepair?
• Is there obvious manure accumulation present?
• Have there been witnesses to the incidences of physical abuse?

Ribby horses are not necessarily abuse cases.

It is important that when a report is made that there not be any exaggerated facts made as this will only delay the case.

It is important to take photos of the horse you suspect is being neglected or abused. It is also important to have photographic evidence of the condition of both the horse and the living conditions.

Contact your local governmental humane agency to report what you have seen or witnessed and present the photos as evidence.

If you directly witness physical abuse, get involved! Do something, anything to bring attention to an animal that cannot speak for itself.

Another form of horse abuse is horse slaughter for human consumption. Here are a few things that can be done to help stop or raise the awareness of this abuse.

The first thing that needs to be done is to make congress (U.S.A.) aware of the need to end horse slaughter for human consumption by writing to your local and state governmental official and to specifically ask them to support state or national efforts to ban horse slaughter.

You can also write to ask them to support stronger protections for slaughter-bound horses in the meantime (until slaughter is banned).

Horse owners should be aware of the horse slaughtering and not send any ill or injured horses to auction houses as they are at high risk for ending up in slaughterhouses. Instead ask a vet to perform a humane euthanasia if the horse is too sick or in too much pain to live.

If you have a horse that you are unable to care for, seek out equine rescue organizations. Some of these organizations will take unwanted horses and find them new homes where they are wanted and cared for properly.

If you are looking to adopt a horse, think of equine rescue organizations and give a horse a much needed home.

Support in any way you can local rescue organizations by volunteering, or donating money.

Support retirement homes for race horses so that racehorses do not end up in slaughterhouses after they retire.

If you are a horse owner, think twice about breeding your horse. You can purchase a foal that is already alive and in need of a good home.

If you are thinking of purchasing a new horse, give careful consideration to taking a look at the horses available at your equine rescue organization and adopt a horse from them.

Another form of horse abuse is horse slaughter for human consumption. Here are a few things that can be done to help stop or raise the awareness of this abuse.

The first thing that needs to be done is to make congress (U.S.A.) aware of the need to end horse slaughter for human consumption by writing to your local and state governmental official and to specifically ask them to support state or national efforts to ban horse slaughter.

You can also write to ask them to support stronger protections for slaughter-bound horses in the meantime (until slaughter is banned).

Horse owners should be aware of the horse slaughtering and not send any ill or injured horses to auction houses as they are at high risk for ending up in slaughterhouses. Instead ask a vet to perform a humane euthanasia if the horse is too sick or in too much pain to live.

If you have a horse that you are unable to care for, seek out equine rescue organizations. Some of these organizations will take unwanted horses and find them new homes where they are wanted and cared for properly.

If you are looking to adopt a horse, think of equine rescue organizations and give a horse a much needed home.

Support in any way you can local rescue organizations by volunteering, or donating money.

Support retirement homes for race horses so that racehorses do not end up in slaughterhouses after they retire.

If you are a horse owner, think twice about breeding your horse. You can purchase a foal that is already alive and in need of a good home.

If you are thinking of purchasing a new horse, give careful consideration to taking a look at the horses available at your equine rescue organization and adopt a horse from them.

Previous Articles By This Author

• Buying Your First Horse
• Equipment for Horses
• Basics of Horse Care
• Grooming your Horse
• The History of Horses