Neighbors dirty horse water?

Question

I took care of my neighbbors horses and I was appaled at the disgusting slime on the sides of the trough. I cleaned it. she thanked me and said she meant to do it. BS it must have taken months to get that way. They also are skinny. some have hip bones and some have ribs showing. and they don't get enough hay. they get alfalfa in the morning, and Eastern or Timothy at night. because these are better than local hay, is it ok for them? I feel so sorry for them. What can I do or say????

Answer 1

Ask your neighbor if they have been wormed.  And say something about how being wormed will help put weight on them.  Maybe engage in coversation about how much horses should be fed daily.  Maybe ask if she is worried that her horses seem to be a bit thin.  Try to engage in conversation and educate her...before you make a call to a shelter.

Answer 2

We have this same problem on our farm in the summertime when it's hot- that's why I rinse and spray out the horse troughs every day or every other day, depending on the temperature. The algae grows faster than I can keep up with it, but that doesn't mean our horses are unhealthy or that they are neglected in any way. I have a day job, and work full time, and it's not always possible for me to get home to clean the troughs every hour, the way you appear to be advocating. As for the thinness, being thin is not always a sign of neglect, either. My sister has polo horses- she's a rated player- and some of them have ribs showing a bit when they walk, because they are very fit and in great shape. Are they neglected?? HARDLY !!! If they were too thin, or had low energy, do you think she could play on them? I would take leave to doubt that !! One of the horses is 25 years old, and he looks great- and he loves to play. He carries his weight low, so he has a hint of ribs showing- but he's in good weight, sound, and has plenty of energy. Neglected is hardly the word I would use to describe him.

My point in explaining all this is simple: you need to talk to this woman before you jump to conclusions and call the SPCA or PETA. When people have a full time job and other responsibilities, then things like cleaning the horse trough every hour tend to fall by the wayside. That doesn't mean these people are cruel, or that they shouldn't have horses. These animals sound like they are getting enough to eat to me- alfalfa is very rich hay, and a great source of protein and calcium, and Timothy is also really good for horses. If these animals are not doing hard work, hay, water, and salt are all they really need.

I would talk to this neighbor, and ask her if she's noticed that her horses are dropping weight, and then perhaps make an effort to find out what the possible reasons for this might be. Could the horses have medical issues, such as hormone problems, which you don't know about? Are their teeth in good condition? Have they been wormed recently? The only way to find out what's going on is to ask- and do it POLITELY !!! If you are rude, or threatening, you will get nowhere quick- and this woman may just decide to report YOU to the authorities for harrassing her.  

Another thing- forget about any ideas you may have about calling a vet in on your own- these horses are not your property, and no vet will treat an animal without the consent of the owner, because of the risk of lawsuits. It's just not worth the hassle. Good luck.

Answer 3

You can contact the ASPCA. They will come get them.

Answer 4

If they are truly neglected, underfed, drinking stagnant and dirty water, you really owe it to the horses to get them some help.  Often the ASPCA will try to work with people to educate them and give them a chance to clean up their act....especially these days when they are so overwhelmed.  The conditions you saw usually get worse before they get better.  Any idea what the reason is?  Maybe the lady needs help?