[I_Luv_Ponies]

Who should i call? and what should i say?

[Nikki.M.]

I am dealing with this same problem (again) right now too. My husband doesn't want me calling the police.

I am assuming that if the horses were taken in and somebody was to come get them that would be considered theft? Even if it was a rescue that came to get them? Anybody have thoughts on that?

[Beeks]

The next time they get out, don't put them back and call the sheriff's department. If the sheriff has to come out a couple times a week and deal with these loose horses, something will get done. That is how I got my rescue. The sheriff department got tired of coming out and catching their horse to put it back in. They gave them an ultimatum. Get rid of it, fix the fence, or face charges for public endangerment.

[LRHenneman]

Originally Posted by Nikki.M.

I am assuming that if the horses were taken in and somebody was to come get them that would be considered theft? Even if it was a rescue that came to get them? Anybody have thoughts on that?

That is entirely possible. A friend of mine in Arizona sold a horse to her neighbor. the neighbor left the horse without water and feed for over a day, so my friend retrieved the mare and fed her at her place. Two days later when the owner comes home, my friend is dealing with the Sheriff.

Be careful what you take it. Call the authorities. If they have to deal with the situation a few times, maybe there will be a resolution. If the horses have really long hooves--that's abuse--pure and simple. The SPCA might act if they're overly thin and need work. Don't know in what the rules are where the horses are. It's acceptable in Colorado to just have feed and water. No other stipulations as far as I know.

[Beeks]

Having just delt with this issue I can tell you that the sheriffs department said if I found the animal running loose and called them, they would allow me to take possession of the animal and care for it until the owners could be found and notified. However, they do NOT have to repay any expenses incurred while caring for their animal.

If the sheriffs department has to seize the horse, they could place the animal in my care, give the owners x amount of time to fix their situation and then have to re-imburse all expenses incurred for care before being allowed the animal back.

In my area, there is not a holding facility for horses, so they try to find foster homes for seized horses.

You can also seize the animals yourself as long as you leave notice on the owner property, but there again, all expenses incurred do not have to be re-imburses.

Taking a contained horse, off it's property and not leaving notice is horse theft and will be treated as such.

I know in my area, the sheriffs department and the aspca give the cases, where an alternative location is offered (as in my case) first priority.