State group to start registry for equine rescue facilities

Horses throughout Arizona will get a second chance at life thanks to a program from the Arizona Department of Agriculture.

The department announced late last week that it started processing the first application for a certified equine rescue facility.

Certification and listing on the registry allows the public to easily find equine rescue facilities that meet veterinarian-approved standards of care.

“The equestrian community came together when it saw a need for certification rescues,” said Dr. John Hunt, associate director of Animal Services at the Department of Agriculture. “Now, people can be sure that if they ever need to leave their horse, they can easily find a safe place for it.”

According to a news release about the registry, every year the Department of Agriculture receives approximately 600 calls for stray horses and only a small percentage are returned to their owners.

“And it is the same across the county,” according to the release.

In 2009 the Arizona Horse Council, working with representatives from the equine rescue community, was successful in having legislation enacted to create the Equine Rescue Registry.

The year, the Arizona Department of Agriculture created a set of rules to implement the new law. The new rules went into effect July 5.

The application for listing is on the department website at www.azda.gov/Main/equineRescueRegistry.html. Other facilities can find the application form at www.azda.gov/Main/forms2.htm#Equine.

To reach the Arizona Horse Council, contact Chip Wilson of the Arizona Horse Council at 1-602-390-6806 or mattgriffis@arizonahorsecouncil.org.

Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.