Colorado must improve protection for its horses

The welfare of animals, particularly horses, in Colorado is a pressing issue that demands attention and action. While laws like the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act (PACFA) protect dogs and cats from neglect and mistreatment, horses are left vulnerable due to the unregulated equine industry in the state. This lack of oversight has led to numerous cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of horses, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory measures to ensure their well-being.

As the former manager of the Bureau of Animal Protection for Colorado, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by equines in our state. From neglectful rescues to irresponsible breeders, the mistreatment of horses is a pervasive issue that requires immediate intervention. Some rescues have been found to neglect the horses in their care, moving operations to evade detection and deceive donors about the true conditions of their facilities. Additionally, negligent breeders have sold horses in poor condition, leading to cases where horses require euthanasia due to severe emaciation and untreated medical conditions.

Boarding facilities have also been implicated in compromising the health and safety of horses, with instances of diseases like strangles spreading due to inadequate health standards. Moreover, businesses have exploited loopholes in the system by selling unwanted horses to rescuers who then ship them out of the country for slaughter for human consumption. This unethical practice not only endangers the lives of horses but also contributes to the feral horse population in certain areas, posing a threat to native wildlife and livestock.

The statistics paint a grim picture of the state of equine welfare in Colorado. Over a span of two years, there were 893 equine cruelty investigations conducted by various law enforcement agencies, resulting in criminal charges or civil action in 71 cases. Large-scale facilities, including breeding, boarding, and rescue operations, were identified as repeat offenders, with 355 horses removed due to mistreatment in just one year. In a particularly distressing case reported by the Colorado Humane Society, 52 horses had to be euthanized in 2022 due to severe lameness or medical suffering.

While there are initiatives like the Colorado Unwanted Horse Alliance and recent legislation such as HB 24-1458 aimed at improving equine welfare, these efforts fall short of addressing the root causes of the problem. Regulatory programs like those in Maryland and New Mexico, which include licensure and regular inspections of public-soliciting facilities, offer a potential solution for Colorado to adopt. By implementing a regulatory framework similar to PACFA for facilities and rescues with companion horses, the state can ensure humane treatment, protect consumers, and prevent the exploitation of horses for slaughter.

As the director of the Animal Human Policy Center at CSU, I urge policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize equine welfare and enact proactive measures to safeguard horses in Colorado. By establishing regulatory standards, conducting regular inspections, and enforcing compliance, we can create a safer and more transparent environment for horses and their owners. It is essential that we take decisive action to address the gaps in equine welfare and prevent further instances of abuse and neglect in our state.