HAWC
Hooved Animal Welfare Council
PO Box 7l54, Erie, PA 16510 (814) 739-9680
ABOUT HAWC
HAWC is a volunteer, non-profit organization whose purpose is the prevention of cruelty to hooved animals from abuse, neglect or other means, through education, investigation, foster home placement and adoption to loving, responsible homes.
HAWC is incorporated in the State of Pennsylvania and our investigating officers have completed the state mandated humane officers training courses. We work closely with our local Humane Society and other local organizations on livestock complaints in Erie County.
HAWC promotes the proper care of hooved animals through education aimed at 4-H Clubs and other related groups by making the public aware of issues concerning hooved animals such as:
1. The use of pregnant horses to produce urine for use in the manufacture of the prescription Premarin (used for post-menopausal symptoms). There are synthetics available. Women should ask their doctor about prescribing an alternative to Premarin.
2. The horrible and inhumane conditions horses are forced to endure at sale barns and during shipment to slaughter for human consumption in foreign countries.
Last summer, Pennsylvania passed "The PA Horse Transport Law, Act 64 which amends Title 18 5511(e), making it illegal to transport any equine animal in a conveyance that has more than one level stacked on top of each other. Each horse is a separate offense. The minimum fine for each count is $50.00. The maximum fine is $750.00 for each count. Jail time may also be imposed. Forfeiture of the animals can also be ordered, along with restitution for the cost of caring for the horses. Our thanks go out to all of the caring people who helped get this law passed.
COMPLAINT CONTACTS
HAWC continues its success in improving conditions for livestock through education of owners on proper animal care; but remember you must be willing to give your name along with other pertinent information when making a complaint in order for our investigating officers to investigate. All complaints are strictly confidential. HAWC handled many complaints in 2003 resulting in 14 cases; all were resolved satisfactorily by educating the owners on proper care. The cases involved cows, ponies and horses. Please do not hesitate to notify us if you see neglect or abuse by calling one of our Humane Investigating Officers listed below.
Sandy Blount (814) 774-2800
Darlene Rosthauser (814) 899-0960
Vicki Musolff (814) 474-5633
Remember, Pennsylvania Law §5511(c) Cruelty to Animals states: Cruelty to animals. - A person commits a summary offense if he wantonly or cruelly ill-treats, overloads, beats, otherwise abuses any animal, or neglects any animal as to which he has a duty of care, whether belonging to himself or otherwise, or abandons any animal, or deprives any animal of necessary sustenance, drink, shelter or veterinary care, or access to clean and sanitary shelter which will protect the animal against inclement weather and preserve the animal's body heat and keep it dry.
We are still in need of foster homes to help rehabilitate any animals that might need help. If you have a barn and pasture and are experienced in hooved animal care, please call us so we can add your name to our list. Rehabilitating an animal can be very rewarding. To apply, call Sandy Blount at (814) 774-2800.
INTERESTING SITES
Everything You Want To Know About Horses
You can help HAWC make a difference by shopping at one of the following on-line retailers. A percentage of each purchase goes to HAWC.
© 2004, The Hooved Animal Welfare Council
P.O. Box 7154, Erie, Pennsylvania 16510
Phone: (814) 899-0960