I. When does a horse need rescuing? II. Steps to take if the horse needs rescuing. Presented by Nina Bellinger, Director Easy Street Horse & Barnyard Rescue, Inc. Amsterdam, NY

 True or False? Horses should always be blanketed and kept inside during the winter in northern climates. Answer: FALSE!  Horses are artic animals, and originated in cold, snowy climates. They prefer cold over heat.  Horse will grow a winter coat and, if healthy, normally do not need any type of blanket.  Shelter should always be provided. However, healthy horses may not want to stay inside as most horses enjoy the snow and cold weather, and may even roll in the snow!  Only horses that are being shown during the winter and have their coats shaved off must be blanketed and/or stalled; and those whom are ill or elderly.

I. When does a horse need rescuing? There are several things to consider when deciding if the horse needs help or should be removed: 1. Horse – general appearance/health 2. Environment – shelter, ground, etc 3. Other Considerations: Other animals – what condition are they in? Owner or caretaker – is someone living on the premises? If so, are they well or do need help themselves? BE A NEIGHBOR – OFFER HELP!!!

1. Condition of the Horse  General appearance – Are there any sores, cuts or injuries? Does the stomach appear bloated?  Coat condition – is it dull or glossy?  Weight – can you see the ribs? How much of the ribs? Does the horse have a winter coat?  Eyes - is there a sparkle or do they appear lifeless?  Hooves – are they overgrown, curled? Are they cracked? Is the horse able to walk?  Other horses? – Compare the horses. Are they all in nearly the same condition or is one horse worse than the rest of the horses? Do you see any reason why that may be so, such as trapped in something and unable to move or eat?

2. The Horse’s Environment  Water? Is water available for the horse?  Shelter? Is there a place the horse can get out of the sun/snow/wind if needed? If so, is it accessible to the horse?  Food? Is there hay or grass accessible to the horse? Or can you determine if food is being given to the horse by looking for leftover hay/grain?  How large is the enclosure? Is the horse confined to a small area? Can the horse move around?  What type of ground? Is the horse able to get out of muck or wet ground?  Sanitary? How much manure is in the horse’s enclosure? Is there any evidence of its removal? Any other unsanitary items evident?

3. Other considerations…  Look for time period of neglect!  Other Animals Look for other animals on the premises and note the health condition of those animals.  Owner/caretaker Does someone live on the premises to take care of the animals? If so, is this person okay? Do they need help themselves? Are they able to take care of the animals? ASK IF THEY NEED ASSISTANCE BEFORE REPORTING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT. BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR!

When does Easy Street Horse Rescue become involved?  When contacted by… Law enforcement Humane Society SPCA Animal’s owner Neighbor/friend of owner with surrender permission from owner  Easy Street Rescue does not have seizure rights, they must be given by law enforcement or the court system; or animals surrendered by owner.  If the owner is temporarily ill or needs help with hay, Easy Street Rescue does deliver or help provide hay so the owner can keep their horse/horses.

II. Steps to take if the Horse needs rescuing: 1. Take Pictures if possible: Horses/Animals: Take pictures of the horses/animals from every angle that you can. Take as many pictures as you can of all the animals, equine and non-equine. Environment: Take pictures of the living condition of the animals. 2. Document everything immediately! Don’t wait until next week – write down everything you see NOW, while it is fresh in your mind. Even if its just scribbled notes. Write the DATE down! Then write everything down fully when you are home. Be prepared to submit a report, with any pictures to law enforcement.

Steps to take if the Horse needs rescuing: 3. Contact your local or state police immediately and file a formal complaint. Provide them with any pictures and the report you wrote after seeing the horses. Get the name of the officer with whom you spoke, and follow-up with a supervisor if you get no satisfaction and report the case again. Ask for someone to explain the results of the investigation and what action was taken and why. 4. If no results, contact the local SPCA or Humane Society and provide them the date you made the report and the officers to whom you have spoke. 5. Continue to monitor the horses and file another report if necessary. If you truly feel that no one is doing anything contact the SPCA. If still no satisfaction then contact your local news station’s investigation unit. DOCUMENT EVERY ACTION YOU TAKE TO INCLUDE THE DATES AND PERSONS YOU SPOKE WITH.

Once a Complaint is filed with the Local or State Police…  An investigation should be conducted by law enforcement  If the police feel it is necessary the SPCA or Humane Society will be brought into the investigation  The SPCA or Humane Society will visit the animals and owners and ascertain the situation. They will utilize a Veterinarian to look at the animals. Depending upon the condition of the animals they may immediately remove them, or they may try to work with the owners to improve the care of the animals.  Seizure by the police and SPCA/Humane Society: Sometimes this may take up to a year before they are legally able to seize the animals. So don’t expect overnight results.

Summary II. Steps to take if the Horse needs rescuing: 1. Take Pictures if possible 2. Document immediately 3. File a complaint with local or state law 4. If no action follow up with SPCA/Humane Society 5. Continue to monitor horses. I. When does a horse need rescuing? Examine… 1. Condition of Horse 2. Environment 3. Other Considerations - Other Animals Health - Owner/Caretaker in trouble