The United States Trotting Association (USTA) announced today its intention to offer support to Standardbred horses in the care and custody of animal control authorities because of neglect, abuse or abandonment.
“We believe this program will begin to meet two very vital needs that are either completely unmet or severely underfunded,” said USTA Executive Vice President Mike Tanner. “This is a widespread problem that affects horses whose owners have failed to care for them and government officials are left with little to no funding to step in when care has fallen to a criminally low level. We have anecdotal reports of animal control officials not able to exercise their authority to seize horses because of a lack of funds to do so.
“While we recognize there are many horses in need of assistance in transitioning to a useful career, there are some programs in place to help them, for which we are grateful. That need is partially met. We saw this need as being completely unmet,” said Tanner. “We want animal control officers throughout the country to know we will help them to restore a horse to health if they believe the best interest of the horse requires them to be removed from their owner’s custody. We have $100,000 designated for this program. That is vastly more than is available now, which in many areas is nothing.”
The USTA has begun outreach efforts to animal control authorities throughout the country to let them know of the association’s willingness to assist Standardbreds in their legal custody. Those reading this story are asked to pass this information along to animal control officers in their areas.
Great that more horses are getting the support they need. I hope one day abuse is rare or non-existent.
Glad to hear that they are finally support STB’s. I got my two through situations they are trying to combat!
I’m glad they’re getting help.
To whom it may concern:
I need help finding my standardbred horse. My horse’s name is Gunsmoke, he is black, sixteen hands seven year old gelding. I was awarded Gunsmoke in my divorce settlement in Conway,S.C.. I live in Black Mtn. N.C.. I gave Gunsmoke to Teddie Bates owner of Shiloh Stables in S.C. Greenville County. I have Parkinsons’ and couldn’t afford physically or finanically to keep the horse. I gave the horse to Teddie with the understanding I could visit at any time. Also if the horse didn’t work out for her, I would be notified and Gunsmoke would be returned to me. She told me she got rid of the horse, but refuses to tell me where or under what conditins. I have hired a lawyer but can’t afford to go to court. Gunsmoke was the only thing I had left of a 33 year marriage. He was always there when I needed him to confide about the abuse I was going through. Now I have lost him. Please advise me on what steps to take.