What to do about Horse Neglect

Question

A horse I gave away 5 years ago is now skin and bone. I have asked for him back twice now and the owner will not give him up. The owners father is very wealthy and is a town council man in the city where the horse is. I've questioned the owner several times as to why he is so thin and she has only one answer ---he's old. Well, he's 23 and I don't think that means he has to be emaciated. I'm afraid if I report her to animal control nothing will be done because her father is so well known in the community. The farm is really pretty. It's small with just one other horse on the property. I have another horse of my own and cannot afford to care for two. I will try and sell my other horse if need to (she's much younger and ride-able). However, the ideal situation would be to have my old horse as a companion horse if I can get him back. So, my questions are:

Do I turn her in and risk never being allowed to see him again (she will know Im the one who filed the complaint)

and any ideas on how to find him a nice place to stay? I will pick up any medical expenses, farrier expenses etc. HELP!

Answer 1

Call the ASPCA right now! Don't worry about getting in trouble! Horses are more important. If you are worried about never seeing him again, you won't see him again anyway. He's being starved and the people can get arrested. So call now!

Answer 2

Old horses do tend to be skin and bones like that.  If you are concerned definatly turn him in.  They will at least take a look at the horse and determin if he needs medical assistance.  It will not matter if the owner is a political figure because they care about the animals, it's their job.  How are his hooves?  Are they keeping the hooves shaved down?  Does he get his shots regularly?  You should be able to feel the ribs but not see them.  

Answer 3

.  My neice had the same problem, only she bought him back for more than she sold him for.

You could also contact the humane society

Answer 4

Old horses often look awfully thin- 23 is not so old, but how do you know he is not suffering age-related infirmity and that he is under vet care?  I would ask them, sincerely and in good faith, to show you his vet records.  If they refuse or are nasty, then call the ASPCA.  Who cares if they hate you at that point?  If the animal were to be seized you could petition the court to return him to you.  I once had a neighbor complain to the cops about my 'emaciated' dog. He was 14, a terminal cancer patient, and getting the best trreatment possible.  I was happier to have neighbors that worried rather than those who ignored.  Talk to them.  Think of the horse first.  Good luck.

EDIT:  Yes, you can post pics.  Use a Flickr or Photobucket account and just copy and paste the link.

Answer 5

You need to report it right away, It doesn't matter how well known he is that man should be charged for animal cruelty.

Yes, you can post pictures on this site.

Answer 6

Contact your local SPCA. Make a report. If you know the address where the animal is, give it to the SPCA. Tell them everything you know about the animal. Take pictures, if possible to put with the report. They will investigate and let the people know that they are watching them. See what happens.  Good luck

P.S.  Find a boarding stable that can take him in.Quick