Neglect of any kind is a contradictory topic, with many arguing over what is considered neglect and in many instances, what can or can’t be done about it. Always when confronted with what is believed to be a case of equine neglect, it is worth going to the appropriate authorities. Organizations can include:
- The RSPCA;
- Project Hope; and
- Local animal control and/or law enforcement officials.
Most of these organisations will have a definition of neglect and provide information on how to report a suspected case or cases of neglect. When it comes to neglect of an animal, their body condition is often the first thing that's noticed.
The Body Condition Score of a Horse
In Australia, horses are scored on a body condition scale of 0 (very poor) to 5 (obese), while in the US, the scoring is from 0 (very poor) to 9 (obese). For either of these scoring systems, the middle numbers are what is considered a good body condition for the horse. This tends to be a horse that is of:
- Moderate weight with flesh over the ribs, the last couple being visible and all being palpable;
- No sign of a crest/fatty deposits on the horse’s neck;
- No guttering along the backbone;
- No extremely prominent backbone;
- A horse that has reasonable muscle tone; and
- No sign of a large belly.
A horse that is obese is just as easily considered a case of neglect as is the emaciated equine that looks like it will fall over with the slightest push. Being over or underweight isn’t healthy for the horse and both can be of detriment to the horse, with the overweight equine being more prone to laminitis and other health issues.
If someone suspects that a horse is being neglected, it is advised that details such as the horse’s condition, where the horse is located and whether they have food, shelter and water be noted. When telling the appropriate authorities, they will probably require your name, address and other contact details also.
The Whole Picture
Always when considering lodging such a report of neglect, consider the environment the horse is in and any factors that may be contributing to its neglected appearance. Perhaps the horse is particularly hairy and looks like it hasn’t had a lot of love because it is in the middle of losing its winter coat. Maybe it is a bit underweight but also happens to be a twenty-year-old thoroughbred that is looking particularly good for its age and breed.
Not all horses that are light in condition or have a long mane and tail or a dull looking coat have been neglected. Consider the season, type of horse and its age before concluding that the horse is being neglected.
If it is deemed a case of neglect and to be reported, consider too that the organisation you report it to may not be able to go into the property, guns blazing. There are protocols in place and some cases may be ignorance on behalf of the owner that can be addressed with education, rather than a case of animal abuse that was intentional. In any case of neglect, always assess the situation and take it to the nearest equine authority that is equipped to deal with such matters, rather than taking it into your own hands.
Source
- Project Hope Horse Welfare, Suspected Equine Neglect, September 2008.
Chris Thomas - C. Thomas has studied and worked with horses since 2001. She teaches horse studies part time and is undertaking an Equine Science ...
