Equine Helpline
The Equine Helpline responds to members of the public that have any concerns regarding an equine (horses, donkeys and mules) that they feel are neglected, abused or in need of help.
We also offer help and advice regarding any equines and if you are looking to offer your home to a donkey or two please contact Carina Penny at HEEHAWS found on the Useful Contacts Page.
In the event of possible neglect
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If you have seen or know of an equine to be either neglected or abused, please check the questions below;
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Can they access sufficient grass and/or hay?
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Is there any kind of shelter? (N.B. this can be ‘natural’ shelter such as trees or woods)
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Are the hooves well maintained?
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Are they showing signs of depression or illness - standing still not grazing or laying down for long periods of time (over many hours),
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Are there signs of recent injuries or weight loss (their skeleton should not be visible except over their ribs slightly)?
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If the animal is obviously suffering from a recent serious injury you should contact a local vet and ask them to intervene. If they are unable to do so, they should contact the local DDETSPP -SPA (Departmental Veterinary Services (Services Vétèrinaires Departmental) and request immediate intervention.
The Next Step ​
Every mayor is responsible under the Code Rural for the welfare of all animals within his commune. ​ ​
Step 1
If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, the first step is to take photographic evidence along with an exact address or location and email the Town Hall (Mairie) of the village where the animal is kept, and ask the mayor to meet with the owner, to confirm the condition of the equine and to report back to you. Insist that appropriate measures are taken to ensure the animal’s wellbeing, stressing that if nothing is done to improve the equines life, or if the mayor feels that the owner is not going to make the necessary changes, the DDETSPP will be informed. Send a copy to us at equinehelpline@gmail.com
Step 2
If you have heard nothing from the Mairie we can assist and visit the equine. If we cannot intervene, we will contact the DDETSPP (departmental veterinary services in the department concerned). Unfortunately, the DDETSPP doesn't always feel obliged to let us know the outcome of all reported cases, in which cases) If this is the case, and the equine is still suffering we will revisit. You can also report the neglected animal to the Gendarmerie stating that you have informed the Maire. ​
