U.S.E.R.L. Richmond Region

Unfortunately, abuse and neglect are a way of life for many horses in the United States. USERL works with Animal Control agencies, and local and state law enforcement to assist in the investigation as well as provide shelter and care for horses they have seized as part of an animal cruelty and neglect cases. There is a great deal of information on the World Wide Web about identifying animal cruelty, state and federal laws protecting animals, and how to report it to your local law enforcement. Information listed below outlines basic information about neglect, and physical characteristics you can identify if you witness an equine that is suffering because of neglect or abuse.

If you need to report a case of suspected neglect or abuse, please contact your local law enforcement first.  Local and state police are able to enforce animal cruelty laws in your state. USERL provides additional information and a way to report neglect online. Please review the USERL link,  Report Abuse/Neglect  for more information.

Visit related links (in blue):

ASPCA—The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
The Humane Society of the United States

Investigation Information: director@userl-vard.org

Recognizing Neglect

Dehydration: Pinch the skin. If it takes more than three seconds to return to normal, the horse is dehydrated.

Shelter: Inspect the area. A horse should have at least a stand of trees. USERL recommends a three sided-shelter.

Veterinary Care: Equines need regular veterinary care to ensure their health. If a horse has signs of disease or injury that are not being attended to by a veterinarian, it may be considered a case of neglect.

De-worming: De-worming is essential for horses’ health. Signs a horse is not receiving de-worming medication includes abdominal bloating, and rub marks on tail and points of buttocks.