Abuse/Rehabilitation
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Abuse/Rehabilitation
Question
How do I report abuse in Illinois?
Answer
If you suspect abuse or neglect of a horse or other farm animal, please give us a call at 815-337-5563 or email us at info@hahs.org. We will either send out one of our approved humane investigators, located throughout the State of Illinois to check out the situation, or refer the case to the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
If you suspect abuse or neglect of a dog, cat or other companion animal, please contact your local law enforcement, animal control, humane society or shelter. Different counties use different methods of enforcing the Humane Care for Animals Act, so there is no one best way to report cruelty.
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Question
How do I recognize abuse and neglect?
Answer
According to the Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act:
“No person or owner may beat, cruelly treat, torment, starve, overwork or otherwise abuse any animal. No owner may abandon any animal where it may become a public charge or may suffer injury, hunger or exposure. No person may intentionally commit an act that causes a companion animal to suffer serious injury or death.”
Additionally:
“Each owner shall provide for each of his/her animals a) sufficient quantity of good quality, wholesome food and water; b) adequate shelter and protection from the weather; c) veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering and d) humane care and treatment.”
You can read the act in its entirety by visiting our website at www.hahs.org, click on the “Education and Advocacy” tab then scrolling to the bottom of the page. Please contact us if you suspect that someone is violating any part of this act. We will investigate the situation and take the appropriate steps to correct any violations.
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Question
How do you investigate complaints of abuse and neglect?
Answer
Complaints are received by HAHS via phone, mail and email. As the complaint is processed, a number is assigned. Then it will be sent to the nearest investigator.
If the animal appears to be healthy, with evidence of fresh water, food and adequate shelter, we assure the people that they are doing a good job.
If the animals appear to be in a borderline area, we talk with the owner about nutrition, housing, foot care and other management tips. We also encourage them to contact a veterinarian for advice on de-worming, vaccinations, teeth care and other health topics. A follow-up visit ensures that the owners listened to our recommendations. Depending on the severity of the case, we may or may not write a Notice of Violation of the Illinois Humane care for Animals Act.
If the owner(s) cannot or will not comply with our recommendations under the act and-or officials determine that the case is critical, an impoundment number is assigned by the Department of Agriculture and HAHS assumes ownership of the animals.
There may be some occasions when critical cases demand immediate action, such as when animals have been completely abandoned. HAHS works with the Department of Agriculture, local law enforcement and local veterinarians to quickly and legally provide for the health and well-being of these animals.
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Question
How do I start an equine rescue in my area?
Answer
Since laws are State specific, it is best you check with the business portion of your states website. You might also check with the IRS at www.irs.gov on Non-Profit rules and regulations.
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Question
Who do I call when a hooved animal needs help?
Answer
www.equinerescue.info has listings of rescues by state. In the event that you cannot locate someone near you, it is always a good idea to contact your states Department of Agriculture. Remember that each states laws are different.
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Question
What is the best way to start feeding starved horses? What do you recommend?
Answer
Research has shown that improperly feeding starved horses can be life threatening to the animal, so it is important that rescue groups know the safest way to return them to health. Dr. Carolyn Stull from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, found that the best way to put weight on emaciated horses without causing “re-feeding syndrome” was to feed them high quality alfalfa hay in small amounts frequently. Because this diet is high in protein, it is important to have a veterinarian draw blood to check liver and kidney function first. For more details on this specific program visit www.completerider.com/nutrition.htm.
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Question
Is it ok to feed a skinny horse some carrots and apples and maybe some hay from the pet store?
Answer
Normal instinct tells one to feed a skinny horse when you see it every day. However we suggest that you don’t give in to the temptation for a number of reasons.
Horses can colic (have abdominal pain) very easily from anything new or different in their diet and you would not want to make the horse sick. The horse may be on a special diet for a medical condition that you don’t know about, and feeding him or her something else may worsen the condition. If you truly feel the horse is being neglected and it is becoming malnourished, it is better to tell the proper authorities and let them handle the situation. Trained investigators know the law and can write notices or citations to force the owner to take care of the horse(s). Well meaning people who feed a horse that is under investigation may actually impede the legal process and make things worse in the long run for the animal.
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