Reporting Suspected Horse Abuse or Neglect
At From the Ashes Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation, we are committed to the well-being of every horse. If you suspect that a horse is being abused or neglected, your vigilance can help save lives. Below, we provide guidance on identifying signs of mistreatment and taking appropriate action.
Minimum Standards for Water, Feed, Care, and Shelter in Tennessee
Below is a PDF report by the University of Tennessee detailing what the minimum requirements of care are for horses in the state of Tennessee as well as detailed Body Composition Scoring, used to rate a horse’s body weight on a scale of 1(Poor)-9(Extremely Fat).
Filing a Report
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture will not perform welfare checks or investigate unless a report is filed.
What You Need to File a Report
Document what you observed that provoked the report along with the date witnessed.
Be able to provide the city, county, and zip code of the location where you observed the abuse or neglect.
If possible make note of if the animals have access to food (this includes grass) and water.
You will have to provide your name, address, and a method of contact to report.
How We’re Helping
We provide resources on equine care and advocacy to help prevent abuse and neglect.
Education and Awareness
We work with authorities and individuals to rehabilitate and rehome horses in need.
Support for Rescues
Collaborating with veterinarians, farriers, and law enforcement to protect horses.