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AAEP News May 2019 IX


Veterinarian’s efforts putting abusive horse owners on notice


Owners neglecting their horses in New York are at an increased risk of accountability thanks to the efforts of Dr. Steve Naile, the March honoree of the AAEP’s Good Works for Horses Campaign, who with a longtime client is voluntarily training, educating and assisting law enforcement in the iden- tification and pursuit of cases of equine cruelty.


Dr. Naile, who recently sold his ownership stake in the Equine Clinic at Oakencroft and now primarily serves as practice manager of the 10-doctor practice in Ravena, N.Y., partners with Lynn Cross at Little Brook Farm horse rescue and sanctuary to offer a free, one-day Investigating Equine Cruelty and Neglect workshop at which police officers, animal control officers and other law enforcement officials from around the state are trained in the essentials of equine abuse cases.


Dr. Naile instructs attendees on proper paperwork, including the Coggins test; determination and use of body condition score; and the components of a thorough site inspection, including common owner excuses and the buzzwords that, when heard, should trigger additional scrutiny.


When Cross pitched the workshop idea to Dr. Naile, he called it a “homerun” because law enforcement can be reluctant to get involved in equine cruelty situations because of an already heavy workload and an unfamiliar- ity with horses and the applicable laws.


Now in its sixth year and with more than 70 attendees in 2018, including a couple of prosecutors, the workshop has been a grand slam. “I’ve seen such an improvement in the competence of law enforcement and animal control people,” said Dr. Naile.


The workshops have also established an ongoing connection between attendees and organizers. Dr. Naile volunteers his availability, including nights and weekends, to officers investigating cruelty complaints or seeking assistance.


“I believe I may be the only one who knows just how much time he spends quietly working behind the scenes to aid these horses—not recognized or compensated but definitely appreciated by those he’s helping,” said Cross, who nominated Dr. Naile for the Good Works honor.


The payout for Dr. Naile is the growing network of motivated officers equipped to address and resolve situations before they become welfare emergencies.


“For every high-profile case of equine cruelty and neglect, there are many more out there that don’t get publicity


Dr. Naile examines “Aspen,” a 12-year-old Holsteiner from Germany that was donated to Little Brook Farm.


because they don’t involve large numbers or a particular breed,” said Dr. Naile. “The eyes and ears are not only the neighbors but the animal control officers and police on routine patrols on the backroads and byways who can spot these animals before they reach a critical condition.”


The workshop is part of the Oakencroft practice culture of community involvement and builds on a deep-rooted relationship with Little Brook Farm. When Dr. Naile joined the practice 15 years ago, he worked with Cross to create an educational discount program through which practice interns, under supervision of a senior veterinari- an, perform many of the treatments and procedures on the farm’s horses. The result has been reduced expenses for the rescue and valuable experience for the interns.


“It’s been a great training ground for our interns and a way to mentor this next generation of equine veterinari- ans,” said Dr. Naile, whose practice has been a longtime participant in the AAEP’s Avenues Internship/Externship Program.


Imparting tools and opportunities to both law enforce- ment and ambitious new veterinarians will perpetuate Dr. Naile’s passion and concern for the well-being of all horses, especially the most vulnerable.


Throughout 2019, the AAEP’s Good Works for Horses Campaign will spotlight AAEP-member practitioners whose volunteer efforts are improving the health and welfare of horses. To discover the Good Works of AAEP veterinarians or nominate a Good Works candidate, visit aaep.org/horse-owners/good-works- horses. For more information on nominating a veterinarian for this program, contact Sue Stivers at sstivers@aaep.org.


Lynn Cross


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