This course provides essential training for equine welfare investigators, law enforcement, and equine professionals on recognizing, documenting, and addressing cases of horse neglect and abuse. Participants will learn investigative techniques, legal considerations, and best practices for working with horse owners to improve equine welfare while ensuring ethical and effective case resolution.

Why We Get Called:

• Poor body condition, overgrown hooves, open wounds, lack of food, water, or shelter

• Disputes from neighbors or social media reports

• Abusive training or overworking horses

• 80% of reports are resolved through education rather than enforcement

• Skills of an Effective Investigator:

  • Communication, emotional control, honesty, ethics

  • Knowledge of equine welfare laws, critical thinking, report writing

• Recognizing Abuse & Neglect:

  • Abuse: Intentional harm, excessive training, physical punishment

  • Neglect: Failure to provide basic care (food, water, shelter, vet care)

  • Signs: Hoof neglect, lameness, underweight, dehydration, malnutrition

• Investigative Process & Evidence Collection:

  • Assessing conditions: Property, feed, water, shelter, health

  • Documenting: Body Condition Score, weight, height, injuries

  • Photographing & collecting evidence: Vet reports, samples

  • Writing objective reports: Stating facts, not opinions

• Building a Strong Case:

  • Gathering indisputable evidence: Reports, photos, videos

  • Working with veterinarians for medical assessments

  • Collecting ownership and health records

• Photography & Testifying in Court:

  • Best practices for capturing evidence

  • Professional appearance and demeanor in court

  • Presenting facts without personal opinions or emotions
    
    Continuing Education Credit

Upon successful completion, students will receive a certificate of completion and become eligible to apply for continuing education credits from Colorado State University. Veterinary professionals may apply to receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

This class is approved for Colorado Bureau of Animal Protection Agents for CE credit.