Horse council offers equine abuse investigation course

The three day Level I course, on March 18-20, 2009 at MSU, provides hands on horse opportunities to Animal Control Officers and Law Enforcement Officials designed to prepare them for the identification, management and care of neglected horses.

The first day of the course is optional but recommended for all attendees and provides basic horse handling skills and equine knowledge. Day two and three cover the investigation, documentation, and legal process and rehabilitation of the confiscated animal. Attendance on day two and three is required to receive a course completion certificate and continuing education credit.

"Last year we trained 50 investigators," said KHC Board President Madelyn Millard. "With 120 counties, we still have a long way to go in providing much needed knowledge and skills to support the health and well-being of Kentucky's horses. Our goal for 2009 is to provide training to another seventy-five investigative officials."

Beckey Reiter, an expert in animal abuse statutes and legal issues and Dr. Debbie Reed, a licensed veterinarian from the Breathitt Veterinary Center will present portions of the class.

Animal Control Officers attending the training are eligible to receive Continuing Education Credits through the Kentucky Animal Care Advisory Board. In addition the course has been submitted to the Department of Criminal Justice Training, and law enforcement officials may be eligible for continuing education credits.