RESCUE? OR AN EXCUSE FOR NEGLECT?

We have recently been involved with some relocations from a self proclaimed “horse rescue” group in another part of the state. That experience has prompted me to add this page to our website.

If you are considering doing business with a group that claims to be a ‘rescue’ - do your research first. Some warning signs that your local ‘rescue’ may not be so legit could be:

FACILITY

Look around. Are the horses housed properly? Do they have adequate shelter, food, water, fencing? Are they knee deep in mud?

CONDITION OF THE ANIMALS

In her own words - a member of one group pointed a horse out to me and said “we rescued him last year”. It was six months later and the horse was still emaciated, feet were terribly long, mane was ratted, he had untreated sores and lice.

IMPROVEMENT

A true rescue will make sure that an animal leaves in better condition than when it comes in. It may be in the form of vet care, nutrition or training.

ARE THEY BREEDING?

A serious conflict of interest for a real rescue is indiscriminate breeding. There are too many unwanted horses in the world - and a rescue group would know that first hand. Are they in it to rescue - or to make a buck?

DO THEY CARE WHERE THE ANIMAL GOES?

A legit rescue will try to find the best “fit” for the horse and potential adopter. Someone who doesn’t care will dump the animal to the first person there with cash in hand. These are the same people who will post those desperate ads that read MUST SELL OR GOING TO THE AUCTION THIS SUNDAY! Many animals that a rescue receives in are in poor shape already. Running them through an auction ring could very well buy a one way ticket to the canners.

CREDENTIALS

A legit rescue has no problem giving you references. They will usually link to other rescue sites - again - trying to find the best fit for the horse. (If we don’t have what you’re looking for - maybe someone else will.) They will also not have “anything to hide”. While appointments are usually encouraged - they have no problem with you viewing their facility. If they seem secretive, hard to contact, or always want to meet somewhere and don’t want to give directions, be on alert.

ARE YOU DONATING?

If you are considering a donation to a non profit group, make sure they actually have the 501 c 3 status or are obtaining it - which makes your donation tax deductible. If a group is filing with the IRS, that process sometimes takes many months. Any donations made during that process are retroactive to the date of incorporation and will be considered tax deductible.

By all means, adopt a horse from a non-legit horse rescue. It may be a life or death situation for the animal. Make sure you have all the paperwork in order and get the animal OUT! If you are trying to find a home for a faithful old friend - think again. Do your research. Many of these people are NOT trying to help you - but are looking for another free or cheap horse to dump on the next unsuspecting buyer. Unfortunately that usually leads to a life of being carted around from one owner to the next. Is that what you want?

If you are dealing with a questionable rescue group and are concerned about the welfare of the animals, by all means, REPORT THEM. Reporting abuse/neglect to your local animal control or sheriff’s office is not, no matter what the so called ‘rescue’ thinks, slander. If you have legitimate concerns, VOICE THEM!