According to the Census of Agriculture, there is estimated to be over 100,000 owned horses in Saskatchewan that include everything from working and show horses, to family pets.
Unfortunately, not all of these beloved animals are being cared for properly and that is where the APSS (Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan) is called upon to help investigate reports of abuse and neglect. Animal Protection Services is a non-profit enforcement agency that enforces the Animal Protection Act, 2018 within the province of Saskatchewan.
Don Ferguson, executive director of the APSS, reports that in the 2018/2019 period their officers have responded to 151 reports regarding horses in distress which is a total of 1139 individual horses. Of those cases, 86 were founded cases. APSS classify cases as founded, unfounded or inconclusive. Founded cases are those that require some action or follow up is required by their Animal Protection Officers. Of the founded cases 37 horses were required to be seized from their owners and placed into protective custody.
The APSS does not have a facility for housing horses during this time and therefore rely on caretakers to care for the animals during the 5 business day hold period. This includes veterinarians with large animal facilities and/or foster homes that have been approved and inspected by the APSS. Horses may also be placed in Auction Marts as they are designated pound keepers for many RM's within Saskatchewan.
There are currently no horse rescues within the province of Saskatchewan that the APSS is able to utilize, however according to Ferguson, the Saskatchewan SPCA has a project underway for a rescue certification process so that there is a standard, province-wide, for rescue organizations.
This standard would allow rescue organizations to follow a guideline and adhere to regulations set by the Saskatchewan SPCA ensuring proper care for more animals in need.
If the APSS had a rescue organization they could utilize for all horses that have had to be placed into protective custody, it would make the transfer of animals much smoother as they could all be sent to one location instead of trying to secure individual care homes at the time of need.
Ferguson also reports that the number of calls the APSS receives for animal abuse reports in Saskatchewan has been pretty steady since 2015 showing there is still a dire need for rescue organizations within Saskatchewan.
As long as there are animals, there will be people who continue to not provide proper animal care which unfortunately means the services of the APSS will always be a necessity.
However, with the help of those who report suspected abuse, more education on animal welfare and hopefully a future horse rescue in Saskatchewan, more animal's lives can be saved.
To report animal abuse anonymously please contact:
Animal Protection Services Saskatchewan from 8-5pm @ 306-382-0002 or Toll-Free 1-844-382-0002
For after-hours emergencies, please contact your local RCMP.
Written by: Bobbi - Lynne McGarry
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