The summit was hosted by the Pierce County Auditor's Office and Washington State University Pierce County Extension. First came some introductions and a brief history by the auditor, Pat McCarthy, who said, "It's been a wild and crazy ride for us in the Auditor's Office," since assuming control of animal control in the county from the sheriff's department a year ago.

     Helping precipitate this summit, but not discussed directly at it, was a horse cruelty case on Waller Road, that recently hit the news and is currently in the courts. Some neighbors belonging to the Waller Road Neighborhood Watch had complained for over a year about the conditions of the horses, and once they were confiscated, controversy erupted over who could, and should, provide fostering and rehabilitative care.

     This topic was revisited again and again, as participants argued passionately about how best to support the efforts of animal control and horse advocates in getting the necessary care to horses that aren't getting it.

  Crowd of 300 - 400 People

                                                                                                                                     (photo by Bob Walter)

A portion of the 300 to 400 "horse people" who attended the summit.

 

      The crowd of 300-400 was asked to break into three sub-groups, where they brainstormed on three topics: current conditions, solutions and resources. Some of the suggestions coming out of the breakout groups were: establish a low-cost gelding program similar to the low-cost dog and cat spay/neuter services available; educate horse owners county-wide, through equine veterinarians, horseman's associations, a mentoring program for novice owners, a proposed, county council-appointed equestrian citizens' advisory commission, or a proposed "horse humane society," to prevent the substandard conditions reported; contact the new county "Farmbudsman" (253.798.FARM) to connect with technical expertise and agricultural education opportunities locally, and accurately report to animal control (253.798.PETS), situations in need of intervention, investigation and/or prosecution.

     All four of the county's animal control officers were present, offering an overview of investigative efforts and challenges.

     For solutions, "Education came up on everybody's lists," said county licensing official Mary Schmidke. "We talked about mentoring programs, connecting people who know what they're doing with people who don't know what they're doing,"...federal, state and local legislative changes...having a rescue center...support from the local veterinarians...tax relief...reducing the export of local feed so it can be available for emergencies.

     Some complained of the financial burden placed upon owners, from the recently passed American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, which limits owners' disposal options when their aging or ailing horses need to be euthanized. An explanation of burial requirements for deceased horses was offered: burials must be at least 125 feet from water courses, and must be at least six feet deep. One woman said she had just paid $200 for a worker to dig a hole large and deep enough to bury her horse of forty years, recently euthanized. "You shouldn't own a horse if you can't do that," she said, to a round of applause.

     Others pointed out the high cost of long-term maintenance and upkeep for a horse, that some people do not foresee before acquiring one. Still others cited the impacts of "hoarders" who collect so many animals, then become overwhelmed, and are unable to meet the responsibilities of care. These situations often result in emaciation, neglected illnesses, and overgrazed, muddy, contaminated pastures, which are all-too-common sights in the county. It was evident from the comments expressed at the summit, that being a horse person is an enormous commitment. Rescuing a pasture of failing horses is even more so. The horse summit has at least begun the process of bringing advocates together to find solutions.