What can I do regarding an abandoned horse?

Question

I found an abandoned horse about a week ago. The horse cut her leg so I've been doctoring it. Now my neighbors called the live stock agency saying that the horse is being neglected because I haven't had a Vet come out. I did contact the Vet but he wouldn't be able to do any more than what I'm already doing. Keeping the wound clean, applying antibiotic solution, and making sure it doesn't get infected. The horse lays down a lot but she can get up and eat. She has frequent bm's and urinates. She was under weight when I found her but shes now eating good. Tonight in fact she was kinda hard to hang on too even though she can't walk very well on her wounded leg. The main problem is her laying down when shes not eating, peeing or pooping. Now the live stock agency is threatening me with animal cruelty for not having a vet out. I'm in Arizona and just wandered what I can do.

Answer 1

Its not your horse, tell them that you found it.  Then they can take it and do whatever they think they need to do.

Answer 2

Have the vet out anyway, even if he said he wouldn't be able to do anything.  SAVE THE RECEIPT!  You need proof that you tried to enlist the help of a professional.  The court doesn't care that you yourself are taking care of the horse's wounds (even if you are doing a great job of it).

Answer 3

Have the vet confirm that you have speaked to him. Most vets would be more than happy to help out. Arizona has a humane society. You could contact them, and either explain the situation and surrender the horse, or tell them that you need help, explain the situation, and they will help you.

If the horse is having trouble standing, that is never a good thing, and there might be something else wrong. Call the vet, tell him the entire story, especially the horse going down a lot, and have him come out anyway. This will shut your neighbors up, and the horse will benefit from a health check, and a valuable vet opinion....not to mention that receipt that you can show, proving you have had veterinary care. She will need a tetanus shot, and a coggins test anyway...so go ahead and call.

If you are not willing to provide veterinary care, then surrender the horse to the SPCA/Humane Society. There is more to caring for a horse than just feeding it.

Answer 4

Get the vet out asap...the horse needs medical attention.....what don't you understand?  You are threatened with being charged with animal cruelty and still won't call a vet?  What are you thinking?  The cost of the vet is nothing compared to the fines you may end up paying and the cost to your reputation if you are prosecuted on cruelty charges. And it sounds as though the horse has medical problems that need to be addressed beyond just the cut on her leg.

Answer 5

That was great of you to take the horse in.  You need to call them and let them know your circumstances, and tell them they are free to come and look at the horse and tell them you need a month to get the horse back into shape, Im sure they will work with you, just let them know the situation. The horse needs wormed, and some vitamins would help also, www.kvvet.com is a great site, my fav products are mare plus and wheat germ, and or soy bean oil, and red cell.  The horse is probally full of worms, so worm her right away. check out the site i gave u, best of luck

Answer 6

Call THEM back and tell the you had talked with your vet and give them your vets name and number. Tell them if they don't like the way your dealing with it then, come get the horse and they can pay for it.

Be sure to tell the you will also send the the bill for your time and the money you have spent.

Also, confront your neighbors and ask them why they would do such a thing. Sometimes if you stand your ground, "Bully's" will stop bothering you. Because thats what they sound like.

Best of luck with this situation!

Answer 7

You need to have a vet out to look at / evaluate the horse's condition. You are to be commended for trying to nurse him back to health but there may be underlying problems that you aren't qualified to diagnose and treat.  Is there a horse rescue facility in your area?  If so, maybe they can help.  Good luck!  Let us know what happens.

Answer 8

Contact one of the local rescue places and have them come pick the horse up and take proper care of it.  If the horse was abandoned, they have the right to take it and potentially charge the owners with neglect.  Try this one:  http://www.azequinerescue.org/

Answer 9

There are a number of things to consider.

1) If the horse is not abandoned, but instead ran away, then you have a different situation. Someone may be looking for the horse. I recommend notifying the local and state police.

2) A vet visit for a horse in an unknown state of health is not optional. Get a vet out to do a typical prepurchase exam plus blood work so you can know the state of the horse. The vet should look for various equine diseases and take f***s for worm tests so you can know if the horse is a danger to other horses or if she needs treatment. You also need to know if she's lame and get her cared for if so.

3) If you intend to keep the horse you need to get the horse up to date on shots.

Hope this helps!