April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month, a cause that’s close to our hearts at Equine Advocates Rescue & Sanctuary. Animal cruelty, by New York State law, is defined as “every act, omission or neglect whereby unjustifiable physical pain, suffering or death is caused or permitted.”Our organization is one of countless groups that work to protect animals and shield them from cruelty.

As an equine rescue and protection organization, we’ve seen animal cruelty displayed in many horrific forms – neglect, physical abuse, overwork, malnutrition, and horses being sent to kill pens.
We also see the lasting impact abuse has on these animals. Physically, many have injuries and ailments that need to be treated and monitored, often for the rest of their lives. Many also suffer emotional scars. Some of the rescued equines that come to the sanctuary take years to adjust to their new life and being around humans. It’s imperative to hold offenders accountable for the long-lasting pain they inflict on these animals.

“Informing the public and students about how to recognize and officially report any incidents of equine cruelty are points that we emphasize regularly during our humane education classes,” said Equine Advocates President Susan Wagner.

In New York State, Buster’s Law (New York Agriculture & Markets Law § 353-a. Aggravated cruelty to animals) makes it a felony to abuse any “companion” animal in New York State. The legislation was named after a cat who was set on fire in the city of Schenectady. Animal cruelty is considered a bridge crime, and this law helps to put many dangerous people behind bars.

In 2007, a horrible case of animal cruelty affecting horses occurred in Rensselaer County. At that time, the county had an Animal Cruelty Task Force. We accompanied the Task Force on a rescue where two horses were seized. The Task Force consisted of several individuals, including a licensed equine veterinarian, police, animal control, humane officers, and a member of the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office. The equine veterinarian did a thorough evaluation and examination of the two horses at the time that they were seized by police. Enough evidence was gathered to where the owner was charged with animal cruelty. The owner eventually surrendered the horses to authorities and Equine Advocates. We named them Nick and Jeremy, and they had many happy and healthy years at the sanctuary until their passing.

“This situation proves that if handled correctly, abusers can be brought to justice,” said Sue McDonough, a 30-year veteran with the New York State Police Force and a former President of the NYS Humane Association. “These horses were mistreated, but thanks to the efforts of people with a specialized focus on animal cruelty, further abuse was prevented. Several New York counties have established Animal Cruelty Task Forces, but more can be done. We believe there should be a Special Task Force focused on animal cruelty formed in every county. We also work toward the passage of bill A1844 (Introduced by Assembly Member Rosenthal), which would transfer the laws that apply to animal cruelty from the Ag. & Mkts Law to the Penal Law. This would assure that the police receive proper training.”

All living creatures deserve respect and freedom from abuse. We need to speak up for those without a voice, and that’s why we’ll continue our mission to protect equines from abuse, neglect, and slaughter for years to come.

This column was published in Berkshire Animal World’s April 2024 issue.