humane society

Ok I am just venting because this just really ticks me off (putting it politely) ok so the humane society is supposed to be there to help animals in need well not around here. Across the hill from where my horses are kept there was 4 starved horses in a tiny little dirt lot (and I don't just mean under weight they were emaciated you could see every bone in their bodies) 3 of them were I would say 6 to 10 yo horses(one of the older ones died) and one was a 4 yo horse(that I eventually talked them in to giving to me and have since found her a new home where she is cared for and loved) the people were feeding them hay that I wouldn't even feed to a cow it was so moldy and black just plain nasty, they usually had no water and no shelter from the rain or weather the people who owned these horses would ride them in that condition (I couldn't stand to even look at them in the shape they were in much less have the heart to saddle and ride them) well the humane society had been called on them so many times that they knew the people by name but still did nothing for the poor horses because they said that since they had access to hay and water when they went to check on them that there was nothing that could be done but you would think that they would at least make them get the proper hay and grain to help them not food that is going to eventually kill them and make them take the horses to a vet and get them checked out but no they didn't even make them put up a shed or something to get some shelter from the elements. I just can't stand seeing people who say they love their horses but won't take the proper care of them and let them suffer. Around here the humane society is a joke and might as well not even exist for the horses they are doing no good for the ones that really need it but get after the ones who actually take care of their animals its ridiculous and they need to make some adjustments to the way they handle situations like this where they know the horses are not getting the proper care they need to survive. Sorry about the vent but something needs to be done around here there are so many horses that are in need of care that it aint funny and there is nothing being done for them

Perhaps it would be an idea to find out just exactly what the law says. If the humane society is not following the law, you can report them. If the law is too lax, you can contact the proper representative to ask for tougher laws. There is always something that can be done, especially if you feel strongly, and it sounds like you do. Keep on going up the ladder! And keep on caring with a passion. You sound like a wonderful advocate for our dear horsey friends.

Yes I think its the law that is too lax; here in uk if the animal has water they don't seem able to do much, I think its been changed to having basic needs met, but to be honest, that doesnt seem to make much difference. The more people who have the courage to take an action to speak out, or get up petitions, and never give up on behalf of the animals, the more liklihood that more will be done; if we turn a blind eye, things will never change.

Actually, what you're talking about are the local ACOs, and not the humane society.

The ASPCA is the governing body for the state SPCAs, and the ACOs fall under their jurisdiction, as well as the legislation concerning the county in which they work.

Depending on where you live, the only things that legally have to be provided are food and water. Shelter doesn't even have to be provided in some places.

Hay is considered food, regardless of whether or not you think it's edible. Some people never feed grain, and I only feed a smidge of it. Healthy horses who are getting good quality hay and plenty of it, rarely need grain. So on that point, as long as the horses are getting hay and water, they are being fed.

You need to know your state and county laws before you continually harass the ACOs about 'doing something'. If the letter of the law is being maintained by the horse owner, the ACO's hands are legally tied.

So the first thing you need to do, is research your local laws concerning the care and welfare of animals.

It's nice to be passionate about something, but you need to educate yourself before you can successfully fight the powers that be. I know how frustrating it is, because I'm going through the same thing where I live.

I don't know if you know this but the sheriff's/ police department have to go and intervene before the humane society can. Everyone thinks that the humane society can just go in and do whatever they want, but they can't.
My mom is the manager of a humane society here, and there have been numerous calls on a small farm that has two horses- there are people calling everyday about them (we drive by this on the way home so we know what the horses look like.. they aren't even in bad shape but the barn that they have is old and not in very good shape so people automatically call and say that their horses are being abused.) we tell EVERYONE who calls about them that they must call the sheriffs department first and get them to check it out..
So if you think that they humane society is blowing people off, then you should know that they can't deal with it until something is done. They do not have the rights to do anything about it until the police get involved. If you have a humane law officer that works in your county, try and get in contact with them- or call the sheriff's department until you get them to go out..
I know you're just trying to help the horses, but having multiple people call the humane society is just going to annoy them as they probably have hundreds of other animals that they can help.

An excellent post, SR!