To report abuse call your local sheriff’s office..

As a rescue organization, Dove Creek Equine Rescue does not have legal authority to confiscate anyone’s horses or visit private property to assess a horse. However, we are eager and available to assist Animal Control officers and Deputies in charge of animal cruelty should they need to remove a horse from someone’s property.

Local Law Enforcement Agencies:

  • Potter County Sheriff’s Office—806-379-2900
  • Randall County Sheriff’s Office—806-468-5800
  • Oldham County Sheriff’s Office—806-267-2667
  • Deaf Smith County Sheriff’s Office—806-364-2311
  • Parmer County Sheriff’s Office—806-481-3303
  • Castro County Sheriff’s Office—806-647-3311
  • Swisher County Sheriff’s Office—806-995-3326
  • Armstrong County Sheriff’s Office—806-553-6933
  • Carson County Sheriff’s Office—806-537-3511
  • Gray County Sheriff’s Office—806-669-8022

A horse in poor condition may look emaciated with protruding ribs and hip bones. Its hooves may be overgrown causing mobility issues, or there may be no place for the horse to get relief from the sun, wind, rain, and snow. In the state of Texas, horse owners are required to provide their animals with sufficient food, water, hoof care, and shelter; this can be in the form of trees or other natural protection (not necessarily a man-made enclosure).

If you see a horse in poor condition, especially if you notice that it has been in declining health over time, the best course of action is to call Animal Control or the Sheriff’s Department of the county in which the horse is living.

Give the authorities the exact street address and a brief description of what you saw – pay special attention to details regarding body and hoof condition. Stay on track and state the facts. Very Important – Never confront the horse owner directly and only take photos if you can do so from a safe distance.

 

 

 

Note to Law Enforcement:

We encourage our local law enforcement agencies to contact us for help in any area of animal abuse enforcement. We will provide forms, advice, transportation, documentation, and whatever you need to help enforce the laws. We also provide scheduled basic horse handling training classes for any law enforcement agency wanting to learn to better help with their duties. Through our network, we can provide personnel to help you manage any situation. If we can’t provide the answers, we will find those who can.

Please call Laurie Higgins-Kerley at 806-236-2660 or email Laurie@DoveCreekEquineRescue.org to schedule a training session for your deputies and animal control officers, if you have any questions, or need assistance.