1. REPORT THE THEFT---BEGIN RECOVERY EFFORTS BY REPORTING THE THEFT TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. BE SURE TO OBTAIN A CASE NUMBER AND A COPY OF THE INCIDENT REPORT, AND KEEP ORIGIONAL COPIES OF ALL SHERIFF AND/OR POLICE REPORTS. YOU MAY HAVE TO PROVE THAT THE HORSE WAS STOLEN.
THINGS TO HAVE FOR PROOF OF OWNERSHIP:
- A. BILL OF SALE AND/OR CANCELED CHECK
- B. BREED REGISTRATION PAPERS
- C. COGGINS TEST AND VET RECEIPTS
- D. AT LEAST 4 GOOD COLOR PHOTOS OF THE HORSE, SHOWING BRAND, MARKS OR SCARS, INCLUDE FRONT SIDE AND REAR VIEWS. TAKE PICTURES IN SUMMER AND WINTER.
2. GET THE WORD OUT---MAKE FLYERS DESCRIBING YOUR HORSE, USE COLOR PICTURES WITH JUST THE HORSE, (NO FAMILY IN FICTURE). INCLUDE HEIGHT, WEIGHT, SCARS, MARKINGS. INCLUDE A CONTACT NAME AND NUMBER. *TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY, DO NOT USE YOUR ADDRESS UNLESS IT'S A BOX #.
ENLIST FAMILY & FRIENDS TO HELP SEND FLIERS VIA MAIL, FAX, EMAIL AND EQUINE SPECIFIC INTERNET SITES.
- ALL EQUINE RENDERING FACILITIES AND SLAUGHTERHOUSES THAT EXPORT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION;
- LIVESTOCK SALES/ AUCTIONS;
- BREED REGISTRIES AND STATE HORSE GROUPS;
- EQUINE AND LARGE ANIMAL VETRINARIANS;
- FARRIERS, TACH & FEED STORES
- HORSE MAGAZINES, FARM PUBLICATIONS AND NEWSPAPERS; AND
- RACE TRACJ MANAGERS, TRACK SECURITY OFFICERS AND RODEOS.
3. ENLIST THE MEDIA---USE DAILY NEWSPAPERS
TO RAISE AWARENESS OF AREA HORSE THEFTS.
4. FOLLOW UP DAILY---STAY IN REGULAR
CONTACT WITH:
- LAW-ENFORCEMENT
- EQUINE SLAUGHTERHOUSES AND RENDERING PLANTS
- AUCTIONS
***OTHER TIPS***
IF YOU HAVE OTHER HORSES THAT ARE NOT PERMANENTLY IDENTIFIED, CONSIDER SELECTING SOME METHOD OF PERMANENT ID. CONSIDER INSTALLING A SECURITY SYSTEM IF YOUR PROPERTY HAS NONE. THIEVES MAY BE TEMPTED TO RETURN TO "EASY" MARKS.
IF YOU LOCATE YOUR HORSE, KEEP IT UNDER SURVEILLANCE AND STAY AS FAR AWAY AS POSSIBLE! NEVER TRESPASS CALL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND LET THEM HANDLE THE RECOVERY.
LONGTIME PERSISTANCE CAN PAY OFF, AS HORSES HAVE BEEN REUNITED WITH OWNERS EVEN YEARS AFTER THEFT!
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