Equine Mistreatment Report form
Be our eyes across the country.
Become their guardian angel
If you are truly interested in saving an animal or improving its living conditions, contact us.
Are you worried about a
horse or donkey?
A guide on what to do if you see a horse, donkey, pony or mule in a concerning situation.
Don't turn your eyes away. Don't be indifferent.
Abuse and neglect are a real phenomenon — early intervention can make a big difference.
If you have seen a horse, donkey, pony or mule in a concerning situation, read the information below so you know what to do and when a report is necessary.
IN AN EMERGENCY?
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If you see an animal that looks:
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injured
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trapped
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emaciated
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fallen
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on the road or in immediate danger
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dead
follow the steps below:
▶︎ If it's safe to do so, take pictures or videos
▶︎ Call the police (100) or 112 to report a mistreatment
▶︎ Call ESPI (+30 2299043227 / +30 6979090513) so we can guide you to the next steps
How we assess animal welfare
The basic elements we examine for an animal's condition to be considered satisfactory are the following:
▶︎ appropriate and sufficient food and fresh water
▶︎ absence of any open wounds and/or signs of pain
▶︎ sufficient shade or shelter, depending on the season
▶︎ healthy conformation and normal weight
▶︎ well-groomed hooves that are not excessively long, broken or cracked
▶︎ transformation by approved means of transport, such as trailers or special trucks
▶︎ no permanent tie to the same spot or confined in an inappropriate space
Of course there are other, more special cases. If you are unsure, you can contact us.
What is the data that helps?
Before submitting a report, it is helpful to have as much of the following information as possible:
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exact location of the animal(s)
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photos/videos
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description of the animal(s)
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What exactly are you worried about?
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When was the last time you saw it?
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If you know who the owner might be
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why doesn't ESPI jus to and retrieve the animal? The first thing that needs to be done is finding out if the animal is registered to an owner. Many horses and donkeys that seem neglected actually belong to someone. This is why no organization can just go and get an animal without having the situation handled officially first.
How do we find the owner? Usually the Police and the Municipality are informed first. At the same time, locals and any nearby stables are asked about the animal. If no information comes up immediately, the search can prove to be really long.
Why don't you transfer the animal to the shelter? Transporting an equine without assessment can prove dangerous, especially if it is injured. Also, an animal cannot be transported until it becomes clear who the owner is or who will officially handle the situation.
If the animal is a stray, why can't ESPI take it on immediately? ESPI helps where able and has saved and cared for many animals over the years. However, ESPI is not a public authority and cannot replace the role of the state in every incident. In many cases, cooperation with the Police, Municipality, Region and veterinary services is required.
What happens until the owner is found? If the animal is not injured and is simply roaming freely, the incident is recorded and actions are taken for the owner to be identified. If the animal is in poor condition or in danger, the competent authorities are immediately informed.
So ESPI can't help? ESPI can help with guidance, assessment of the report and communication with the competent authorities. In many cases, our contribution is substantial to the management of the incident. However, this does not mean that we can always intervene on our own and directly, skipping the legal process.
What happens if the owner is not identified or found? If the owner is not identified or found, the incident is passed on to the management of the competent authorities, mainly the Municipality and the veterinary services of the Region.
What can I do if I see a horse or donkey in a concerning situation? You can: note the exact location if it's safe to do so, take pictures or videos call the Police (100) or 112 to report a mistreatment inform the Municipality call ESPI (+30 2299043227 / +30 6979090513) so we can guide you to the next steps submit a report via the Equine Mistreatment Report form
Why don’t you just send a vet? Because, in serious cases, the vet doesn’t just go and “see” the animal. They may need to assess whether the animal can be transported, if it needs immediate treatment, or if it is in such a serious condition that difficult decisions must be made to relieve it. That is why there needs to be cooperation with the relevant authorities.
An action that counts.
