Equine Seizure Policy

Policy

Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society, Inc.’s (BEHS) policy is to work with law enforcement agencies to seize (remove) horses and other equines from neglectful or abusive owners.

Procedure

BEHS will investigate reports of neglect or abuse in accordance with the Abuse/Neglect Investigations Policy.

When a volunteer investigator can verify any of the following conditions, we consider a case legitimate:

• Equines in Body Condition score of 3.0 or lower.
• Absence of evidence of adequate food.
• Absence of evidence of adequate water.
• Evidence of untreated medical conditions.

When BEHS determines that a case is legitimate, the Neglect Committee Chairperson shall assign a Case Worker.  The Case Worker will contact the sheriff’s office or police department where the equines are located.  The Case Worker will provide the officer with a Neglect Investigations Report along with photographs and offer the assistance of BEHS.  Assistance may include:

• Visiting the property along with an officer or animal control to better evaluate the situation.
• Working with an officer or animal control to educate the owners so that they can improve the conditions of their equines.
• Catching equines during the seizure.
• Documenting the conditions of the equines and the property during a seizure.
• Loading and trailering seized equines.
• Holding the equines until the court date.
• Providing necessary medical care for seized horses.