Three-Day Event Educates Officials and Enthusiasts on Animal Abuse and Neglect

The first of two Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) Livestock Investigation Trainings (LIT) is slated to take place July 11-13, 2022. Registration for all county and state officials, including animal control officers, sheriffs, police officers and other law enforcement officials and prosecutors in Kentucky, is free; registration for equine rescue and adoption organization employees is $150 for the three-day training.

Developed by the KHC in partnership with the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association (KCA) with input from experienced enforcement officers, veterinarians and livestock producers, this course is tailored to the needs of the Commonwealth. During these trainings, officials will learn how to safely and strategically manage horses, cattle and other livestock running at large, as well as how to identify at-risk animals.

LIT attendees will be hosted at the Secretariat Center, a Thoroughbred reschooling facility located at the Kentucky Horse Park, and the Blue Grass Stockyards. There they will learn how to handle horses and cattle, assess body condition score in both species, identify situations that need intervention, and apply Kentucky statutes to animal-associated court cases. Attendees will also practice handling and evaluating live horses and cattle, as well as examining Kentucky statutes and enforcement procedures. 

“We are excited to offer two Livestock Investigation Trainings in 2022,” said Sarah Coleman, Kentucky Horse Council executive director. “These trainings provide vital education on animal abuse and neglect to our Kentucky peace officers and rescue personnel. We are deeply grateful to the Secretariat Center and Blue Grass Stockyards for consistently supporting the KHC in our mission to protect horses and other livestock in the Commonwealth by providing a good understanding of livestock handling and husbandry, which increases the likelihood of positive outcomes for loose animals or those found in neglectful situations.”

Sponsorship of this program allows the Kentucky Horse Council to provide free training registration to county and state officials, including animal control officers, police, sheriffs and other law enforcement personnel. Download the sponsor packet here.

The KHC has educated over 260 officers from 60 Kentucky counties since the inception of the trainings in 2008. The fall Livestock Investigation Training I will take place October 24-26 in Lexington. This course is open to out-of-state officials and equine enthusiasts for a fee of $250 per person. Register for the course here.

For more information, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org or contact the Kentucky Horse Council at 859-367-0509 or info@kentuckyhorse.org