Founded in 2007, the CHANGE Program is a 501(c) non-profit charity that supports local law enforcement in responding to equine humane cases.
04/06/2025
How often have you expressed concern when encountering a thin or emaciated horse, only to be told that it's "normal" because the horse is aged? This is a dangerous misconception. What IS normal is for elderly horses to have severely worn or missing molars, making it physically impossible for them to chew hay or grain. Because of this, as horses age, their nutritional requirements actually increase, and they often need more specialized care such as the feeding of mash or other soft foods. Older horses that have not had regular dental care or are not being fed an appropriate diet are, in effect, slowly starving to death. Emaciation is NOT simply a "natural part of aging.” Horses that are starving because they cannot properly chew their food are suffering from extreme neglect. This is an urgent situation that demands immediate veterinary attention;based on years of experience, I can confidently state that it is an agonizing way for any animal to die.
The Dorset Equine Rescue frequently receives calls from concerned individuals who spot a malnourished horse and ask for help. While we are always ready to assist, it’s important to understand that we are not law enforcement. We can report these cases and request a welfare check; unfortunately, at this time law enforcement is not adequately trained to recognize signs of neglect in horses, and often accepts the owner’s explanation that the horse’s condition is a natural result of aging, especially if there is hay and grain present on the property. Too often, no action is taken, and the horse continues to suffer and lose weight. This is unacceptable, and the owner should be required to provide veterinary care without delay. Sadly, by the time we are called in to help, it is often too late, and the horse succumbs to malnutrition. This tragic outcome is often the result of ignorance, and we need your help to change that.
Please speak up if you notice a horse in need. It is the responsibility of every horse owner to ensure that their animal receives, at a minimum, annual veterinary and dental exams to accommodate their changing care requirements. Weight loss can also be due to other issues such as poor parasite control and metabolic disease; if you see a visibly thin horse, be aware that it is not normal, regardless of age. Immediate veterinary care, along with a carefully monitored feeding plan is essential to ensure their survival. We must educate the public (and law enforcement) that emaciation, for any reason, is not normal or acceptable. No animal should ever be allowed to starve. Let’s work together to ensure that all horses receive the care they deserve.
Shown is a photo of Thunder at the time of rescue. Unfortunately we were called in to help too late and his body had already started shutting down. He died of starvation due to lack of dental care, despite his owners feeding him several pounds of grain per day (which the other horses ended up eating).
