Report Abuse

Report Animal Abuse

Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves

In today’s world, full of road rage, lawsuits, and the like, it’s hard to take a stand. Now imagine if you were a horse suffering from abuse. No voice. No recourse. No way out. Don’t let anything stand in your way of reporting animal abuse. The five minutes it takes to file a report could mean the difference between life and death for a horse.

PHH does not have animal control capabilities; that is the function of local animal control programs. This means that we do not have the right to set foot on someone’s property and conduct an investigation and/or seize animals. We want to help as much as you do, but must do so in a lawful manner. To do otherwise would put the future of the organization—and all of the animals in our care–at risk.

PHH does, however, provide assistance and resources to animal control professionals in Washington state. This is undertaken on a case by case basis and must be initiated by the county animal control office. Your call can put this process into action.

The Human Society of the United States provides guidelines that cover everything you need to know about reporting animal abuse and the process that follows. Please visit their site for further information.

Signs of Neglect

Tips for determining whether a horse is in need

Determining whether a horse is suffering from starvation and neglect can be difficult. For some such as Thoroughbreds, a leaner body mass is healthy. The same does not hold true for drafts. The differences from breed to breed makes identifying a dangerous situation challenging—but not impossible.

Weight

The Henneke System is an objective evaluation of a horse’s body condition. Developed in 1983 by Don R. Henneke, Ph.D., of Tarleton State Texas University, it is based on both visual appraisal and palpable fat cover of the six major points of the horse that are most responsive to changes in body fat.

Description of the Condition Score System

Other Signs of Neglect

Hooves

Horses, like humans and our feet, support their entire body mass with their hooves. Healthy hooves make for a happy horse, while unhealthy hooves can—and quite frequently do—lead to life-threatening medical issues. In general, horses should receive farrier care every six to twelve weeks depending on the horse and the environment they’re kept in. Disconcerting signs in a hoof include chips, cracks, and overgrowth.

Wounds

Any wound gone untreated can cause serious health risks in a horse due to the risk of infection and further celluloid deterioration. Wounds are quite common and are to be expected. It is the untreated wound that raises a red flag. Signs of festering, discharge, or bleeding are grounds for concern.

Environment:

The following must be present on any property where horses are kept:
Reliable clean water source

Safe and secure fencing that is of sufficient strength and dimensions to safely contain equines and limit direct contact between the general public and the horses

Safe and secure shelter where horses may take refuge from the elements without danger of being injured

In a barn setting, stalls that are large enough to allow the horse to turn and lay down comfortably