| ||
| ||
|
Send Us 
E-mail
|
| Equine Cruelty Investigation Panel |
You are here: Newsletters > January 2000 > Equine Cruelty Investigation Panel
On November 9, ERRI president and founder, Debbie Frank, participated as a member of the Maryland Horse Council’s Equine Cruelty Investigation Panel. Also on the panel were Nicky Ratcliff, Carroll County Humane Society, Dr. Ray Hyde, DVM (equine), and Kathy Schwartz, (Days End Farm). Each of the panel members made an informational presentation.
Nicky Ratcliff
Nicky Ratcliff discussed the procedures and general roles of the Humane Society. Ms. Ratcliff explained the minimum guidelines of care for equines. She also stressed the importance of giving detailed information when making a report to the Humane Society. The information she suggested to be provided when making a report is as follows:
- 1. Give the exact address of where the equine is located.
- 2. What is the perceived problem?
- 3. Are there any witnesses to the alleged mistreatment?
- 4. What is the description of the horse? (i.e., size, breed, coloring, etc.)
Dr. Ray Hyde
Dr. Ray Hyde informed the Council that starvation and hoof foundering are the two most common forms of neglect/abuse that vets observe. He further explained that vets play a key role in litigation of seizing our equine friends. Equine vets are primarily used as experts in determining what the physical condition is of an alleged abused/neglected animal in court.
Kathy Swartz
A representative of Days End Farm, Kathy Schwartz, showed the group examples of abused/neglected equines that they have recovered.
In addition, she explained that Days End works closely with the Humane Society and equine vets in their county and helps with litigation, if necessary, to remove equines from their abusive homes.
Days End Farm also is involved with changing legislation to improve the process of seizing animals.
Debbie Frank
ERRI was represented by Debbie Frank, who discussed the importance of rehabilitation. She explained ERRI’s steps toward rehabilitation, which are as follows:
- 1. A qualified veterinarian will evaluate the equine’s physical needs and/or problems.
- 2. An individualized nutritional plan is developed to promote a fast recovery.
- 3. Each equine receives an evaluation for farrier and dentistry needs.
- 4. Special care and handling are implemented to promote the equine’s trust in humans.
- 5. Equines receive schooling in specific areas centered around each horse’s ability and talent.
- 6. Horses then are matched with potential “foster” parent(s) or “adopted” to a new home.
- 7. Once adopted, ERRI supervises the equine’s progress with annual visits.
The Maryland Horse Council meets quarterly in Annapolis. If you would like more information about the Maryland Horse Council, please call Kathleen Schwartz, Chair, at 410-422-1564, or email her at defhr@erols.com.