July 2012
- by Cpl E.A. Turco, RCMP Livestock Investigator
Your worst nightmare has come true. Your horse is missing.
Calm down and breathe. First, has he gotten out of his enclosure and maybe just strayed?
Look for physical signs-a downed fence, open gate or hoof prints heading out the driveway. Search the area and contact your neighbours. Pay special attention to other horses in your area as it's common for people to put stray horses into the nearest enclosure.
Depending on the population density in your area, spread your search appropriately, as horses have been know to travel quite a distance in a short time. Slow down! You don't need a speeding ticket or a motor vehicle accident to complicate matters.
Still no luck? Check with the nearest Livestock Identification Services brand inspector to report your horse missing and determine if they had a stray matching your horse reported captured. Next, check with your local RCMP detachment to see if someone has reported a captured stray and if not, advise them of your missing horse, and the possibility of it being stolen.
