Rescue and Seizures

We believe in restoring the dignity of the horse: “the state of being worthy of honor or respect”

Dove Creek Equine Rescue serves what is referred to as “The Unwanted Horse Population”. The unwanted horse population is defined as a “a group of horses within the domestic equine population that are no longer needed or useful, or their owners are no longer interested in or capable of providing financial or physical care. According to the Equine Rescue Network there are $177,000 unwanted horses in the US. For horses that don’t end up in rescues or rehoming programs, more than an estimated 100,000 horses a year go through auctions and feedlots on their way to slaughter. American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) 2017.

We join the UNITED HORSE COALITION in their commitment to helping horses at risk or in transition by:

• Educating current and prospective horse owners on how to own responsibly; including proper care and assistance and resources available to owner before a horse becomes unwanted

• Raising awareness of the issue of unwanted horses and its consequences to horses and the horse industry

• Reducing the number of unwanted horses and working towards eliminating the problem

A horse adopted from Dove Creek Equine Rescue comes with an honest assessment. Our goal is to find a horse that fits into your lifestyle and your heart; we pride ourselves on the bond between a human and a horse.

Rescue horses come in all shapes and sizes with as many personalities as people. But one thing they have in common is that they all get a second chance. Horses who come through our gates are all given the same amount of compassionate care and attention, because they deserve it. They are given every chance to regain their health and well being and we think, on some level, they seem to know it. It becomes evident in their willingness to understand what we’re doing. Where respect is reciprocated, a true human-horse partnership will develop, and a journey begins.

How Seizures Work

It might be a call from law enforcement or a concerned neighbor saying “this horse is skin and bones! Can you help”? Legally, in the state of Texas, non-profit animal welfare agencies do not have the authority to seize animals. We will work diligently with local law enforcement agencies to help the animal(s) as quickly and safely as possible to ensure the best outcome for the animals’ well being.
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Reporting Abuse

Always call the local sheriff’s office first. Give them the exact address and location of the animal, and do not go onto the property where the horse is being kept as it’s against the law. However, you may take photos or videos off of the property.
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Surrendering A Horse

Surrendering your horse or barnyard animal can be a very difficult decision to make, and we respect that. We are happy to answer questions you may have to help make an informed decision.
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