Stolen Horse International "NetPosse" would like to make the public aware of a growing concern in these perilous times-that is, people who will drive their trailers out offering to pick up stranded livestock of all kinds appearing to offer assistance. However, the livestock in reality disappear never to be seen again-sold at auction hundreds of miles away within days while their owners are still dealing with the devastation of their homes due to a natural disaster. 

By the time the owners begin looking in the rescue pens for their livestock-horses, cattle, asses, mules-the animals have been sold for somebody's profit and may even be slaughtered. Serious money changes hands at the expense of these animals. 

Please, please, please-if at all possible, and we realize that it may not always be possible-try to deal only with reputable haulers and rescues. Get photos of the tags and rigs hauling your stock. Get photos of the drivers. Get bills of lading for your animals-and make sure they are signed and in detail.  They help prove who took your animals and when in court. Take photos of your animals at the time they are loaded and make sure some of those photos have you in them.  Make sure those photos are DATED.  If your camera doesn't do that-hold up that day's newspaper or a grocery store flyer. Those are always different every week. 

If you haven't already-please try to make plans now to PERMANENTLY IDENTIFY your animals. We recommend microchips for definitive identification, with the added visual deterrence of a Freeze mark or brand.  The freeze brand will help get your animal pulled out of a pen faster. The microchip if registered when implanted will confirm ownership along with photos and other records.