Modern Day Horsethieves

This is Grand Class, a 12 year old Arabian Show Champion. Equus traced his identity through his freeze brand, which is a code on the horse's neck that connects him to his registered number and therefore his identity. The owners gave him to a man who told them he was going to give Grand Class a good home. Then he sold him for slaughter. Thankfully, Equus identified him before it was too late and found him a good home. He is one of the lucky few.

Alot of horse owners are in complete denial about what happens to their horses once they leave their care. Most horses that are stolen today are not physically abducted. They are aquired under false pretenses. Horse swindlers always promise something, most often a good home or perhaps use in a handicapped riding program.

They usually remove the horse from the area, so that the original owner cannot follow up on the care of the animal. The horse is often transported directly to a buyer for the slaughterhouse.

If you must, as a last resort, give up your horse, you should do so with great caution. Make sure the horse goes to someone who lives in your area. Check with the locals to see if there have been any reports of neglect, abuse or sale for slaughter before you relinquish ownership. Follow up by visiting the horse at its new home.

Responsibility for an animal's welfare does not end after the horse leaves your care.