Be an Equine Advocate

Talk to friends, family about equine welfare: Let friends, family know equine welfare is important to you, and you would welcome their support.  Please also encourage them to join you if they are so inclined.  You can share what you know and also point them towards other information resources.

Support locally/volunteer: Find a reputable organization in your area to support.  There are lots of organizations that claim to help horses, but finding one that truly does what they claim is a bit harder, so take your time to make sure the organization you want to support is doing what they claim.  Supporting locally is always better than supporting the corporate animal welfare groups, as local organizations don’t have huge overhead (salaries) and most of their dollars go directly to helping equine.   Additionally, you can see the positive impact your dollars or volunteer efforts have on the horses in your community.

If you see something, say something: Many people see equine kept in unsafe and neglectful situations but do not know what to do about it.  If you see an equine in such a situation, make a phone call to local law enforcement.  Keep in mind that rescues and other humane organizations have no legal authority to intervene or seize animals unless directed so by law enforcement (for which there are many moving parts). In many counties there are Animal Control Officers, but for any areas without that resource police departments/sheriff’s offices are responsible for investigating complaints of animal neglect/abuse.  If you receive no response from that first call, keep calling!  One call usually does not motivate.  Recruit friends and family to also make calls. REMEMBER, be polite, provide the facts only and try not to let your emotions get in the way.  Pictures are helpful.  DO NOT TRESPASS to obtain a view of the equine or to take pictures. Doing so is breaking the law and could also result in harm to you.

Become a citizen lobbyist:  Equine fall under livestock laws, which are poor at best when it comes to protecting them.  Call your local, state and Federal representatives:  Let those who represent you know that equine welfare is important to you.  At the state and federal levels, Representatives have a staff member dedicated to animal welfare, so you can speak with someone who has a vested interest in helping animals.

If there is pending legislation that helps equine, take some time to get familiar with it so you can speak to it when you call or write your Representatives.  If there is no pending legislation and you feel strongly about making lasting change in your community, work with your local Representatives to do just that. They have staff that can work with you to assess the feasibility of putting something forth to help protect equine. 

Reach out to those in the equine community: Find some like minded folks who will join you, connect with organizations that help equine and come together/work together.  You can also keep in touch with us…we are a resource for questions, advice and someone to reach out to if you have concerns or if you know someone in need.