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According to Kentucky Revised Statute 525.130 caregivers of all species of animals shall provide "adequate food, space, drink, and health care.  Failure to do so is punishable by law.

 

Each Kentucky County is responsible for enforcing state and local statutes.  If you see a neglected or abandoned horse it should be reported to local officials in the following manner:

1. Contact Animal Control/Animal Shelter

2. If the County Animal Control Officer does not investigate large animal cases, Contact the County Sheriff Department (note: contact information on the lower right of the page) Also you can conduct a google search as many county sheriff departments have a website

3. If you are unsatisfied with the outcome of the sheriff's investigation, Contact the appropriate Kentucky State Police Post

 

4. If after following this process you are not satisfied with the progress of the case, you may contact the County Judge Executive or County Attorney.

 

5. You may also file a complaint with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.  KDA investigators will investigate and file a report with county officials.

 

Click here to learn more about Identifying Equine Neglect.

 

 

Horses and other livestock running at large are a hazard to the public especially when they are in populated areas, near traveled roadways, or carry any type of zoonotic disease. 

 

All abandoned horses, or those seen running at large should be reported to local officials in the same manner as Neglected Horses.

 

If you find an abandoned horse, you may choose to take it in and provide care for it.  In such cases, there is a legal process which should be followed to gain ownership of abandoned horses when the owner is unknown.  The process is outlined in Kentucky Revised Statute 259.