Horse rescue at Lions Club

Richard Fincher talks to Lions about horse rescue and what they can do to help. The Kilgore Lions Club members heard from a man on Thursday that meant business when it comes to the health and safety of horses.

Richard Fincher, executive director for the Safe Haven Equine Rescue said he dedicates himself and his agency to making sure people who abuse horses get what they have coming to them.

Fincher said his agency rescues about 200 to 250 animals a year, which means veterinary services, feed and of course the legal ramifications involved when taking an animal from its owner.

Personnel from Safe Haven take horses that are near dead and nurse them back to life to make them productive members of the animal community. "I've only had five animals put down since I took this job four years ago," said Fincher. "We have had some close calls, but with the help of our veterinarians and staff, foster care homes and those who adopt these horses, almost all of the animals Safe Haven rescues are doing great today."

Fincher said he believes that if someone abuses an animal they should get what the law allows for their crime. "I don't like it when a prosecutor plea bargains one of my cases," said Fincher. "I am a equine investigator and when I take a case to the prosecutor every thing is in order for that prosecution."

The idea is not to prosecute every one that has an animal problem, our agency is there to help if people ask for it said Fincher. "All i want is these horses to be taken care of and if an owner can't do that then give them up before the problem escalates," said Fincher.

Safe Haven is located at 4994 FM 2088 in Gilmer and the facility has room for about 24 horses at a time said Fincher. "We need volunteers, foster homes and of course donations," said Fincher. "We are a non-profit organization and donations of any kind, hay, feed or just a check goes a long way for these animals."

Fincher said Safe Haven is a healing facility. "When a horse is first brought to us, right away there is $200 worth of vet bills to start," said Fincher. "We don't sell our horses, we only charge a $300 adoption fee to help recoup funds spent on the care of the horse.

Adoption is something I take very seriously said Fincher. "We don't just give a horse away until after a background check is done on the person wanting to adopt," said Fincher. "Even then I check on the horse once a year to see the horse is being taken care of."

Even if someone just wants to volunteer their time that would be great said Fincher, there are always something that needs fixing around the ranch or the horses always need a good grooming.

Anyone wishing to donate, volunteer or become a foster home should call Safe Haven at (903) 762-1432 or e-mail them at safehavenequinerescue.com.

Safe Haven is having a fund raiser in September, a golf tournament, just call for more details.