It’s always valuable to have people looking out for Maine’s horses. Thank you for being the eyes and ears in your community. 

 

The MSSPA is a state licensed horse shelter and has no legal authority to set policy, issue fines, investigate or remove equines from cases of suspected abuse and neglect. Rather, the MSSPA receives equines from law enforcement after the animals have been removed from neglectful and abusive owners. Many times, the horses in the care of the MSSPA are a direct result of concerned people like you, who have demanded better for them.

 

If you have concerns about a horse you’ve seen, we strongly encourage you to share your concerns with your local Animal Control Officer (find your town’s ACO here). If you do not feel your concern has been addressed adequately by your ACO, please reach out to Maine’s Animal Welfare Program ([email protected]).

 

The MSSPA does keep a log of concerns, and encourages you to CC the MSSPA in any of your communications with law enforcement.

 

To assist law enforcement in investigating your concerns, please have the following information available, to the best of your knowledge: 

 

• Your specific concerns (e.g. seemingly underweight, no fresh water, no shelter)

• Number of horses involved and/or any other animals on the property

• Address/physical location of horse or horses

• Name of owner, if known

• Any photographs that can be safely taken from a public right of way

 

The MSSPA encourages you to be persistent in your follow up, to request an update on law enforcement’s findings, and to ask other people that have witnessed the horse(s) to file complaints, as well.