REPORTING A NEGLECTED, MISTREATED OR ABANDONED EQUINE

We wish we could investigate every complaint we receive, but we are a small charity with few volunteers and limited resources.  Andalucía is a huge region of over 87.000 square kilometres, so it is physically impossible for us to attend to every report. We rely on the public to get involved to the full extent of their capability.

As a rescue centre, we do not have the necessary authorisation to take any action.
We can usually only take action when requested to do so by Seprona or the Policía Local.

The person who has identified the case personally and has first-hand information needs to get involved and report all of the necessary information in order for the relevant authority to act accordingly.

If you have personally seen a neglected or mistreated or suspected abandoned equine that you are concerned about, please contact the relevant authority in the area.

  • Injured, mistreated or neglected equines – Responsibility of Seprona.
    Contact the Guardia Civil and request to report the case to Seprona. (Using the AlertCops App – click the link below and download via Google Play or App Store, then select the ‘Maltrato Animal’ option)Aler -Corps Logo

 

  • Abandoned equines – Responsibility of the local Ayuntamiento.
    Contact your Policia Local.

If you have personally seen a neglected or mistreated or suspected abandoned equine that you are concerned about, please contact the relevant authority in the area.

  • Injured, mistreated or neglected equines – Responsibility of Seprona.
    Contact the Guardia Civil and request to report the case to Seprona. (Using the AlertCops App – click the link below and download via Google Play or App Store, then select the ‘Maltrato Animal’ option)

    alert corps download app

 

 

 

  • Abandoned equines – Responsibility of the local Ayuntamiento.
    Contact your Policia Local.

Please do not just share the post on social media as this has no benefit and can sometimes hamper investigations if the owner decides to move or hide the animal(s) in question.

If you have a valid reason for not being able to contact the relevant authorities, or you believe that the animal’s life is in immediate danger and urgent action is required, we will intervene and report the matter on your behalf, but we will need as much information as possible – at least an exact and accurate location and full details of your concern with photos.

REPORTING INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Details of why you are concerned
  • Horse(s) details – (Horse/donkey/pony) colour & distinguishing features
  • Name of owner and/or landowner (if known)
  • The location of the horse(s). The more information you can provide the better, even if the precise address is unknown. Please try to give additional location information such as a pin or google maps location.
  • Photos are very important, if you can, take some pictures of the equine(s) safely and without trespassing. These can then be sent to the authorities with the other details required.
  • Your contact details. You will need to provide your contact details in order for the authorities to contact you should they require more information. (These will remain anonymous if requested).

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • We are unable to respond to welfare concerns reported to us through a ‘shared post’. Please send a private message.
  • If you have already reported your concerns to the authorities and they have confirmed that they will be investigating, please do not contact other organisations and charities.
  • Please only report the matter if you have personally seen the equine(s) of concern. Unfortunately, we can’t take calls about second-hand information, including content seen on social media.
  • Throughout Spain, horses are managed and kept in many different ways. Sometimes we may not agree with the way in which a horse is kept but if its needs are being met and the horse is not suffering, then we are unlikely to be able to take any action. Whilst in an ideal world the animals would not be left all day in the sun, and it would be nice if they had the choice of sun or shade, many stand in the sun by choice all day anyway.
  • Hobbling is illegal in Spain and this should always be reported.
  • If a horse seems thin, please ask yourself these questions:-
  • Is it possible that it is old and has few teeth? Is it possible that it has been rescued and is being cared for? Is it possible that it has been sick? Is it thin by English or Spanish standards? Can you ask a neighbour, close to where the horse is kept, for details of who owns the horse and get some information?
  • In the summer water is usually only given to the animals in the morning and evening as if it is left in a bucket all day it will heat up and may cause colic.
  • It is not appropriate to feed and provide water to suspected equines in distress. You do not know if the equine is on any kind of medication or already receiving treatment that could be affected by unintended contravention of veterinary instruction. Furthermore, if Seprona respond to a report of a ‘neglected’ equine and find evidence that food and water is being provided they will not intervene. This may prejudice any chance of prosecuting an abusive owner.
  • Please only provide water or contact us directly if you have made every effort to report the matter through the relevant authorities and suspect that the animal’s life is in immediate danger and urgent action is required.
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ANDALUSIAN RESCUE CENTER FOR HORSES

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