Reporting Abuse and Neglect

As a rescue organization, Dove Creek Equine Rescue does not have the 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.

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, please contact us first! You can reach us by calling 806-367-0808 or emailing us at info@dcertx.org

Give us 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. Once we have the facts, we will call local law enforcement to assist us in handling the situation with respect, compassion, care, and regard for both animal and human in the situation. We cannot stress enough to the public to please be respectful in situations of possible neglect and abuse; we don’t know their story, and we are always here to help.

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 Ali McEwen at 806-367-0808 or email Ali@DoveCreekEquineRescue.org to schedule a training session for your deputies and animal control officers. If you have any questions or need assistance.

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

 

For the most current Texas Law on Cruelty to Livestock and Equine Animals, click here.