HELP! Need to know who to call other than Animal Control for horse neglect at a boarding facility

[rhershock]

I am a long time lurker on these forums. I need advice on something.

A little background:

I had my horse at a pretty well known boarding facility in San Jose, Ca. There was a feud between my trainer and 2 other trainers there which led to a stand off of no one being able to teach. My trainer made a quick exit to what we thought would be a good place to board with limited drama. We knew this place would not be a permanent location to board considering we do hunter/jumpers and dressage and there was one sand arena barely the size of a dressage court. However, the pasture board was amazing and the owner seemed very nice and accommodating to our needs. The board agreement was a normal agreement stating the horses will be fed as long as there isn’t ample grass in the pasture, water will be available at all times, vet care will be provided if the owner is not reachable.

Over the course of my time there (5 months) I witnessed so much horse starvation and cruelty I do not know what took me so long to leave. My horse was fine as I was feeding him on my own. From December to early February, the pasture horses were fed 1 flake of forage blend (oat, rye, barley) in the AM and 1 flake of sad, stemmy alfalfa in the pm. The grass at this time was very young and so essentially just shoots. In February, feeding stopped even though the grass was not plentiful. My supplemental feeding continued. I stopped supplemental feeding when my horse was getting enough grass from March to early May. I offered him hay but he ate maybe a handful and was full. After early May, the rain stopped and the pasture quickly dried up. Horses were not fed by the barn owner and again I was left to feed him all he could eat free choice hay for 4-5 hours a day. This was not nearly enough but he sustained weight.

Now you may ask, why did you take so long to move your horse? I would have been out of there immediately! I agree! I would have loved to have left. I had no where to go. San Jose does not really have a wealth of places to board. Most places have their drawbacks with feeding or care so at the time, I made it work with my supplemental feeding. On top of this scarcity, the pandemic reached a fever pitch here and most boarding places closed to new boarders. We just pulled the horses out of there last night after 2 cases of pigeon fever popped up in a week. We were able to move them to a newly finished private facility for the time being where they will be well fed and cared for.

The final straw for me was that there are now 2 reported cases of pigeon fever in less than a week’s time. The owner of the ranch noticed the first case on Monday and did nothing. It took a very caring boarder to call the vet for this horse as its owner had just moved to Seattle and was looking for boarding places to move her and hence has not around for over a month now. The horse is being cared for now but all the barn owner has done is put up more fly traps. Now less than a week later, another horse is ill.The barn owner has yet to say anything about it and put up more fly traps. She was livid that the vet was called and told me when I was moving my horse that “pigeon fever isn’t a big deal”. The water has now gone off twice in the middle of summer, leaving horses to lick the bottom of water troughs and water buckets. The barn owner never tells boarders when these water outages are happening and the only way I found out was through the boarders who were on property at the time telling me.

My question to you, COTH community, comes in here. I called animal control for San Jose and they told me that I needed to contact Santa Clara County Animal control. So I called and I just spoke with an officer. She said that there is not much she can do considering that Santa Clara has no guidances on how to run a boarding facility. She is starting with the few horses on property that are clearly emaciated. The cases of pigeon fever are obvious now that the poor horses are ill but since they are being treated, Im not sure that counts as something they can charge her for. What do I do here? Do I call the police? Do I call some other government agency? I want this place shut down. I dont want another person to live through the hell that was the last 5 months for me. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Any negative or disparaging comments about my choice to stay there for 5 months will weigh on your own conscience and not affect me.

TL;DR I recently moved my horse from a very serious animal welfare situation. Animal control for the area it is in does not have guidances on how horse boarding should be conducted. I need to know who else I can call to get this facility closed.

[poltroon]

Animal control is the only enforcement mechanism for the area. They should be able to address any issues around emaciated animals or lack of water, and I think it’s fair to leave it to them and be on your way into the place that works better for you.

Pigeon Fever is considered endemic in California. Certainly it should be treated and best possible biosecurity practices used when treating those horses, but I’m not sure it’s a cause for panic. More fly traps, and fly spray, is a good idea. As far as I’m aware, it’s not a reportable disease, and I’m not sure what you want the barn owner “charged for.” It can happen in well-run facilities. If vets are treating it, and aware, they will take the measures appropriate.

[steelerino]

Dept. of Ag?

[rhershock]

@poltroon

Animal control is the only enforcement mechanism for the area. They should be able to address any issues around emaciated animals or lack of water, and I think it’s fair to leave it to them and be on your way into the place that works better for you.

Pigeon Fever is considered endemic in California. Certainly it should be treated and best possible biosecurity practices used when treating those horses, but I’m not sure it’s a cause for panic. More fly traps, and fly spray, is a good idea. As far as I’m aware, it’s not a reportable disease, and I’m not sure what you want the barn owner “charged for.” It can happen in well-run facilities. If vets are treating it, and aware, they will take the measures appropriate.

Thank you. I think it’s more of the fact that she still hasn’t even told other boarders that the horses are sick which worries me that if there was something more contagious that she would do nothing. Thank you for the advice.

[rhershock]

@steelerino

Dept. of Ag?

I was thinking that one too. I will see if I can a number. Thank you

[RhythmNCruise]

@poltroon

Animal control is the only enforcement mechanism for the area. They should be able to address any issues around emaciated animals or lack of water, and I think it’s fair to leave it to them and be on your way into the place that works better for you.

I agree. Often just putting in the call, and them going out and taking a look around and/or informing the owners that someone has reported them is enough to kick the owners’ butts in gear and make them start taking better care of their animals. Or maybe not, and then animal control can take it from there.

I’d also suggest that the goal should be better care for the horses rather than seeing the place shut down. If the owners can do better and are willing to do better, then they should be given that chance. If they fail to make improvements, then steps should be taken to remove the horses from their care.

It can be very difficult to prove neglect in the case of horses unfortunately. I see skinny horses all the time, and have actually seen some at some nice facilities including those I’ve had my horses at. And often there is a reason that has nothing to do with neglect. Horses that are very old or are dealing with an illness or were recently rescued from a bad situation, etc. And, yes, sometimes it’s truly that they aren’t getting fed enough…whether that is due to the owners’ lack of knowledge about proper nutrition for horses, or they’re just not financially able to provide adequate nutrition for the horses. Rarely do I find that people starve horses on purpose. It always just seems to gradually get worse and worse, and before long, they’ve got a pasture full of ribs, spines, and hips showing, and aren’t sure why. I think a lot of people really underestimate what it takes to keep a horse in good flesh…especially when the pasture is not a main source of nutrition.

I know it’s frustrating, and you did a good thing by phoning in your concern. Hopefully it might at least raise some eyebrows and get the ball rolling on helping the horses. Now just enjoy your new place and your horse.

[rhershock]

@RhythmNCruise

I agree. Often just putting in the call, and them going out and taking a look around and/or informing the owners that someone has reported them is enough to kick the owners’ butts in gear and make them start taking better care of their animals. Or maybe not, and then animal control can take it from there.

I’d also suggest that the goal should be better care for the horses rather than seeing the place shut down. If the owners can do better and are willing to do better, then they should be given that chance. If they fail to make improvements, then steps should be taken to remove the horses from their care.

It can be very difficult to prove neglect in the case of horses unfortunately. I see skinny horses all the time, and have actually seen some at some nice facilities including those I’ve had my horses at. And often there is a reason that has nothing to do with neglect. Horses that are very old or are dealing with an illness or were recently rescued from a bad situation, etc. And, yes, sometimes it’s truly that they aren’t getting fed enough…whether that is due to the owners’ lack of knowledge about proper nutrition for horses, or they’re just not financially able to provide adequate nutrition for the horses. Rarely do I find that people starve horses on purpose. It always just seems to gradually get worse and worse, and before long, they’ve got a pasture full of ribs, spines, and hips showing, and aren’t sure why. I think a lot of people really underestimate what it takes to keep a horse in good flesh…especially when the pasture is not a main source of nutrition.

I know it’s frustrating, and you did a good thing by phoning in your concern. Hopefully it might at least raise some eyebrows and get the ball rolling on helping the horses. Now just enjoy your new place and your horse.

Thank you. When I originally called the San Jose animal control department they told me they had already had several complaints against this property in the past. For me it would have been fine if she agreed with what a skinny or fat horse was. She considered my well maintained horse to be fat while horses in the pasture where you could see ribs and spines as healthy weight. She did the same to her cows. The cattle often broke out to get to the horse’s feed because they were also starving. The issue for me was all of us were willing to pay more for better care and she wasnt receptive at all. I also agree that some of the skinny horses are above 20 y/o and aren’t really heavily ridden anymore. I dont count those as neglect. I do think the few TBs on property that are around 10-15 who are skin and bones to be too skinny and not properly maintained.

Also a lot of horses are abandoned here. I cant imagine what kind of financial burden that puts on the barn owner as well.

[RhythmNCruise]

@rhershock

Thank you. When I originally called the San Jose animal control department they told me they had already had several complaints against this property in the past. For me it would have been fine if she agreed with what a skinny or fat horse was. She considered my well maintained horse to be fat while horses in the pasture where you could see ribs and spines as healthy weight. She did the same to her cows. The cattle often broke out to get to the horse’s feed because they were also starving. The issue for me was all of us were willing to pay more for better care and she wasnt receptive at all. I also agree that some of the skinny horses are above 20 y/o and aren’t really heavily ridden anymore. I dont count those as neglect. I do think the few TBs on property that are around 10-15 who are skin and bones to be too skinny and not properly maintained.

Also a lot of horses are abandoned here. I cant imagine what kind of financial burden that puts on the barn owner as well.

Some people just need a reality check and to accept that they shouldn’t have animals if they cannot properly care for them. Unfortunately, it is so common that people have that blind spot where they cannot see the truth about themselves and their animals and the care they give them. I think stubborn pride is often to blame. No one wants to take anyone else’s advice or admit that they aren’t doing enough for their animals.

You’ve done the best you can. I’m glad you got your horse to a better place.

[TXnGA]

Animal control/ Human Society

police

dept is ag

news stations- very important because it will get the word out and more support by the community

[rhershock]

@TXnGA

Animal control/ Human Society

police

dept is ag

news stations- very important because it will get the word out and more support by the community

Thank you. I didnt even think about the news!

[fordtraktor]

I don’t know much about pigeon fever but I am not sure that is an abuse thing, esp. as a vet is attending.

Starving horses are not OK. how many of the horses are very thin? Have any died of starvation? IME with, admittedly probably less progressive Animal Control than CA has, is that no one does anything until a horse or five dies. Awful but that’s reality in most areas.

You aren’t going to get the place shut down. it won’t happen based on what you’ve described. Leave negative Google and FB reviews and move on. I am not in any way condoning the place, which sounds awful.

[GraceLikeRain]

If most horses look fine enough and a handful look like crud, absolutely nothing will be done. If A/C shows up and there’s water, shelter, and some semblance of food, nothing is going to happen. The news media is largely ignorant about horses so unless there have been documented cases of died of starvation or a herd of skeletons, they probably won’t’ turn out. It really really sucks. Unless you have ample documentation in the form of photos, videos, etc. it is rare that anything happens even in horrific abuse and neglect cases.

I’d leave an emotionless and data driven review on google and FB “inadequate forage available and not supplemented as specified in the boarding contract. Owners are not notified when the property losses water or when there is a contagious disease outbreak on the property. Proceed with caution”.

[Brown_Derby]

@fordtraktor

I don’t know much about pigeon fever but I am not sure that is an abuse thing, esp. as a vet is attending.

Correct. The bacterium that causes PF lives in the soil and is prevalent in California during the hot season. Many people treat it themselves with compresses and hosing to drain the abscesses. (It can be serious if the abscesses are internal). The main factor of contagion is other horses encountering the puss, sponges, rags, etc., so they should be in separate pens at the least. I’ve never seen or heard of high biosecurity measures being employed (although they would obviously be in use at a vet hospital).

Good luck OP. Your heart is in the right place, and I am glad you moved out. Your horses should be quarantined at their new barn; that is standard protocol regardless of whether or not it is effective.

[rhershock]

@fordtraktor

I don’t know much about pigeon fever but I am not sure that is an abuse thing, esp. as a vet is attending.

Starving horses are not OK. how many of the horses are very thin? Have any died of starvation? IME with, admittedly probably less progressive Animal Control than CA has, is that no one does anything until a horse or five dies. Awful but that’s reality in most areas.

You aren’t going to get the place shut down. it won’t happen based on what you’ve described. Leave negative Google and FB reviews and move on. I am not in any way condoning the place, which sounds awful.

I do plan to leave some reviews once one of my friends gets all of her belongings off property. I agree, I think even the animal control officer thought it might be hard since there’s really no guidances on what is abuse in boarding places. And I also agree that if the place could be better managed that I wouldn’t want it shut down. I am just so angry and frustrated by how she treated me and my horse.

[rhershock]

@Brown Derby

Correct. The bacterium that causes PF lives in the soil and is prevalent in California during the hot season. Many people treat it themselves with compresses and hosing to drain the abscesses. (It can be serious if the abscesses are internal). The main factor of contagion is other horses encountering the puss, sponges, rags, etc., so they should be in separate pens at the least. I’ve never seen or heard of high biosecurity measures being employed (although they would obviously be in use at a vet hospital).

Good luck OP. Your heart is in the right place, and I am glad you moved out. Your horses should be quarantined at their new barn; that is standard protocol regardless of whether or not it is effective.

We moved them all to the same private place and all are being quarantined and closely monitored

[J-Lu]

Consider calling the Peninsula ASPCA and asking them for advice on how to proceed.

Unfortunately. animals (horses included) have to be in really bad condition for any action to be taken. Again, talk to the Peninsula ASPCA about what is required for an animal to be seized from the owner. Or Animal Control. There’s kind of nothing they can do unless the animals are very obviously suffering. Neither they or Animal Control will give “warnings”, I don’t think they can.

I’m glad you got everyone out!

[cardinale]

There is a vaccine now for pigeon fever/dryland distemper. Has anyone had experience with it? The other boarders might want to get their horses vaccinated.

[Weezer]

I think you mentioned that some horses have been abandoned there? If the barn owner is truly financially responsible for these horses due to abandonment, you could offer to help her rehome them or place them with an animal rescue. It may help the owner feel less guilty about those options if she hears it from other people. I agree this is a very distressing situation for the horses and boarders but I think the barn owner must also need some compassion and support in finding a solution that makes her life less stressful. I wonder if a call to a local crisis councillor may be a good idea?

[walktrot]

Maine’s department of Agriculture has standards for horse care. This applies to private owners and boarding facilities.

FOOD:

A. Equines shall have unlimited access to clean water to maintain normal hydration.

B. Each equine shall have sufficient hay, grain, or other feed to maintain its normal body weight. Additional feed shall be fed to underweight animals to achieve normal weight.

C. The feeding arrangements shall be such that each animal gets its own proper share of food

D. All owners/keepers of equine shall have on hand at all times enough hay and grain to maintain all equine in a healthy condition.

[Marla_100]

My equine vet here in Florida mentioned that she is a state official designated to report equine cruelty, neglect cases so you may want to check around and see if any vets in that area are ‘designated’ reporters.