Last week, the ASPCA Equine Transition and Adoption Center (ETAC) hosted two impactful events – a training for local law enforcement and a free vet clinic – in support of Oklahoma City-area equines. 

ETAC is dedicated to ensuring good welfare for all equines and has established innovative programs to provide them with a unique, comprehensive network of support. Through this center we have helped hundreds of horses—over 150 horses in 2023 alone – and are redefining the prospects for at-risk equines. Another important area of focus is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States through the ASPCA Right Horse program. This program elevates and advances the work of equine adoption organizations and supporters nationwide while simultaneously building the demand for adoptable horses. 

The ETAC facility has further expanded its impact in Oklahoma by hosting two recent events to support the health and safety of equines locally.

On April 3, ETAC, in partnership with Nexus Equine and Dr. Charlotte Kin of Exclusively Equine Veterinary Services, hosted a training for local law enforcement to better equip them to safely and humanely interact with horses in their community. An equine behavior specialist and veterinarian walked more than 30 animal control and field officers representing nine municipalities around the Oklahoma City metro area through basic equine behavior and handling skills. Training addressed approaching and haltering a horse, loading horses into a trailer and triaging emergencies and understanding body condition.

Just a few days later on April 6, ETAC partnered with Cowboys of Color to host a free equine veterinary care clinic in the Spencer / Jones area of the Oklahoma City metro. Horse owners were offered subsidized vaccinations, deworming, dental care, microchips and more for their equines. More than 25 horses received care at no cost and follow up appointments were set for residents of those communities to accommodate horses unable to be scheduled for April 6. 

“The ASPCA is committed to ensuring good welfare for equines throughout the state of Oklahoma and across the country,” said Tom Persechino, senior director at ETAC. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to engage with our community through ETAC and expanding our network of support for horses. We welcome all horse lovers to get involved with our work through adoption, fostering and volunteering.”