REPORT CRUELTY

At Wayward Horse Foundation, our main goal is to help alleviate the suffering of equines.  One of the ways we do this is by looking into reports of neglect or abuse and passing this information on to the local authorities in that area.

Some of the most common excuses we hear are:

• "The horse just doesn't want to eat. I think he's just old."
• "I think the horse is sick,"
• "I just ran out of money,"
• "I don't own the horse."

While some of these may be true, there is never a valid excuse for abusing or neglecting a horse. Never.

If the owner needs help, we will do everything we can to help. Sometimes a case of starvation, for instance, is caused by a lack of knowledge about dental care. Admittedly, if a horse is losing weight, common sense says to pick up the phone and call a vet. We'll suggest that the owner do just that, then set a time limit and come back to see if they took the proper action. If it is a case of outright abuse and/or neglect, we will do everything we can to have the animal removed.

In Texas, neglect is defined as "tortured, seriously overworked, unreasonably abandoned, unreasonably deprived of necessary food, care, or shelter, cruelly confined, or caused to fight with another animal",  (Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 10 Health and Safety of Animals, subchapter 821).

If you believe that horses, ponies, donkeys, or mules are being neglected or abused, please report those animals either to us or to the local authorities.  Even if you are not sure if what you have seen constitutes legal neglect, please report the situation. 

Reporting Abuse/Neglect
If you believe you know of horses or other equines who are being abused or neglected, please complete our Cruelty Form and forward it to our department. We will take the appropriate steps to look into the claim.