A Pike County, Ohio, resident reported suspected abuse in a 52-horse herd in mid-December 2003 to a veterinarian, who asked local law enforcement officials to have the horses examined. By Jan. 9, the horses in question had been examined by three veterinarians , were monitored, then were seized by local authorities. In the meantime, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) had become involved in the local issue.

Pike County Sheriff Larry Travis said, “We received a complaint of starving horses. One horse was found dead in a stall, and there was one skinny horse. We’re not sure why the horse died. The rest of the horses looked fair. We began to monitor the animals, checking to make sure they were fed and had water, and spoke with the owner. He was cooperating fully. We were following the guidelines of the Humane Society of the United States for cruelty investigation.”

In most animal abuse cases, humane organizations and local authorities rely heavily on veterinarians for evaluation of the animals. Strict documentation of cases is very important to ensure accurate reporting by the media and as court evidence if legal action is taken.

The horses were seized by local officials on Jan. 9 as planned, but kept at their own farm. Travis had hired two barn managers–sworn in as special deputies–to care for the horses 16 hours a day, with night watchmen after midnight