Is NetPosse necessary in the age of social media?

Without Stolen Horse International (NetPosse), the search for missing and stolen horses would be a vastly more isolated, uncoordinated, and desperate affair for owners. The organization's absence would result in a lack of centralized, experienced resources, thereby turning what is already an emotional ordeal into an even more challenging and low-probability endeavor. 

A less connected and informed community

• Decentralized searches: Before NetPosse's creation, there was no comprehensive, nationwide system for broadcasting a horse's disappearance. A horse owner would have to rely on local community networks, post physical flyers, and hope to reach the right people. Without NetPosse's organized network and digital infrastructure, a search would be fragmented and slow, significantly reducing the chances of a successful and rapid reunion.
• Less public awareness: Stolen Horse International has been a major force in educating the public about horse theft and the importance of vigilance. In its absence, general awareness would be lower, meaning fewer people would know what to look for or how to respond to a missing horse notice.
• Difficulty with proof of ownership: Proving ownership in a theft case is a critical challenge, as the legal burden often falls on the victim. Without NetPosse's educational efforts and the NetPosse ID registry, owners would lack a streamlined, accessible method for maintaining records and proving their claim in court. 

A greater advantage for thieves

• Shorter recovery time window: A thief's primary goal is to move a stolen horse as quickly and as far as possible. With NetPosse's rapid alerts, the horse is often made "too hot to handle," prompting the thief to release it or leading to a quicker recovery by law enforcement. Without this system, the criminal would face far less immediate pressure, increasing the likelihood of the horse disappearing into the slaughter pipeline or being resold multiple times.
• Reduced long-term risk: NetPosse's indexing of missing horse reports with search engines ensures that information about a stolen horse remains available for years, not just weeks or months. Without this long-term digital footprint, a horse thief could more easily dispose of or rebrand a stolen horse without risk of it being traced later. 

A lack of victim support

• Limited resources for owners: Beyond recovery, Stolen Horse International provides counseling, support, and resources for horse owners navigating the complex and emotional process of a horse's disappearance. In its absence, victims would be left to cope with the trauma and logistics alone, with little guidance on how to work with law enforcement or manage the search.
• Uncoordinated disaster response: NetPosse has expanded its mission to assist in recovering animals lost during natural disasters. Without this specialized, nationwide network, reuniting horses displaced by hurricanes, wildfires, and floods would be much more disorganized and less effective. 

In essence, Stolen Horse International's absence would leave a significant void in the equine world, making it easier for criminals and more difficult for honest owners to locate their animals.