Lakota
SCEA is beginning a new chapter in the life of our organization. Our vision has been to have a place of our own where both horse and horseman can thrive; a place that will act as a safe harbor for neglected and abused horses; a place where they can be rehabilitated physically and emotionally; a place where horse people can experience activities that promote good, safe horsemanship through clinics and events; a place that can be ready to aid and assist in rescues at any point in time. In order for SCEA to do this, we needed a place of our own.
As many of you know, for the past 8 years we have been lucky enough to lease the 106 acre farm that we call home. We have made limited improvements to the property such as replacing the roof and run-in portion of the barn. We tore down a dilapidated and dangerous old barn and installed water and electric. Past those improvements, many on the Board of Directors were reluctant to spend more money on the on the farm because, had we lost the lease, any money spent would have been lost.
Dr. Gordon earned his DVM at Ohio State, interned at the University of Minnesota, earned a Masters Degree in Applied Surgical Physiology, and did several residencies in Equine Medicine and Surgery. He has served as the Minnesota Racing Commission State Regulatory Veterinarian. Dr. Gordon was recognized by the United States Pony Clubs as a National Instructions Legend at the 2004 Jubilee Celebration for his service to the USPC. In 2013, he was a recipient of the United States Pony Clubs Founders Award for 2013.
A few months ago the owner made an offer for us to buy the farm. After many discussions and meetings, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to authorize purchase of the property. The sale was finalized on November 8th, 2018.
While the purchase opens up many possibilities, it also brings added responsibilities and commitment from our Board and our volunteers. We have identified many areas in both the facility and our organization that need to be improved. We need to increase our active membership and our fundraising capabilities.
Our vision is being realized and we are at a crossroads. The path the Board of Directors chose is a make or break decision for Second Chance. We are committed, in the name of the horse, to fulfill our financial obligations in order to be here for the entire equine community. We need your help financially and we need your help physically. We have many plans cutting trails, building an obstacle course, erecting an arena for hosting clinics, events and fundraising activities, all for the betterment of our equine friends.
SCEA is nonprofit and completely volunteer. NO ONE is paid. All expenses, veterinary bills and services provided are paid for through generous donations, fundraising events, and yearly memberships. Become a member and join us as we continue our journey...
One of our goals has been to build a system of trails on the farm for use by members. We realized that goal and now have a few miles of trails cut, marked, and ready for use beginning April 10, 2021. This program is just the beginning of our effort to expand service to our members and to provide a place for equestrians to come together for the good of the horse.
You must be a member to use the trails and must respect our rules:
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Trails ore open April 1 through October1 from dawn until dusk.
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Only members are permitted to use riding/walking trails.
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Anyone using the trails must sign the sign-in sheet and complete a release of liability form located outside the barn in the drop box provided.
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Trails may only be used for horseback riding and walking.
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Motorized vehicles and bicycles are prohibited. This includes ATVs and dirt bikes.
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Helmet use is encouraged.
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Fires, littering, and overnight stays are prohibited.
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Remain on trails and respect our neighbor's property boundary lines marked with orange ribbon.
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For questions or problems concerning the trails, contact the Property Manager, Alex Brucker at 724-858-9549.
Until we work through the first few months of use, please don't hesitate to call Alex at the above number, Glenn at 724-961-3250, or Scott at 724-493-8314 with any questions or problems.
For years, SCEA has worked with other humane agencies and police departments to provide support for humane police officers (HPOs) who respond to calls involving cruelty to horses. We have been working to expand our capabilities and now have a second HPO that is working with us. We also obtained a dedicated phone line and email for our humane officers to use for their humane work, thus insuring direct access by the public to an officer while insuring confidentiality. We also fund their required continuing education and miscellaneous expenses.
For anyone who follows us, you know that there is quite a story behind the horses currently in our care. Here is an update for everyone, including some background, in case you missed any part of the story.
On August 31, 2019, Second Chance Equine Association got a call to assist with horses being seized by the Armstrong County District Attorney in Dayton, PA. Six emaciated horses were taken from a barn where they were being held. SCEA took Comanche, Lakota, and Apache into our care, while the other 3 were split between two other rescue organizations.
We brought them to our facility and the long, grueling, rehabilitation process commenced. Lakota, Apache, and Comanche began the fight for their lives. Our volunteers worked tirelessly around the clock to ensure their safety and health and we were cautiously optimistic about the process. Unfortunately, on September 8, 2019, Comanche succumbed to his years of neglect and malnourishment. However, Lakota
and Apache got stronger and healthier.
April 20, 2021 - Latest news!
As of yesterday, the wait is FINALLY over. We are beyond thrilled to announce that the horses have been surrendered! Lakota, Apache, AND Comanche are officially ours! Yes, we got surrender for our fallen warrior. Comanche no longer "belongs" to him. He is home, with his family, where he belongs. This case has been a long, tough, grueling one, and we were never one hundred percent sure on what the outcome would be, but we never gave up. We kept fighting.
We will soon begin the process of getting Lakota and Apache ready for adoption. These will be hard ones to let go, but we know like with every rescue, we are better than what they had, but they deserve better than what we can give them. A forever home.
Lakota, Apache, and Comanche fought to survive, just like we fought to give them a voice. and we were finally heard. We want to thank everyone from the bottom of all of our hearts here at SCEA for following this rescue, supporting us, and loving the horses as much as we do. Comanche will always be loved and remembered, but now he may finally rest in peace. At last we can officially close that chapter of their story. Yesterday was the first day of the rest of Lakota and Apaches lives. The time is here; it's time for their Second Chance.
Second Chance Equine Association Humane Program
Our Humane Police Officers (HPOs) investigate cases relating specifically to horses or other equine (i.e. horses, donkeys, and mules), that are victims of neglect, abuse, or cruelty. Our officers can only legally respond to calls for incidents which occur in Westmoreland County, PA. If you need to report a situation outside of Westmoreland County, or involving animals other than horses, donkeys, or mules, please go here or here for a list of resources in PA.
Some Things You Should Know Before Making a Report
Please keep in mind that our officers can only address issues that are illegal according to the cruelty laws stated in the PA Crimes Code listed below. Here is what Pennsylvania considers offenses that would relate to horses, under 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 5531 – 556.
An individual is committing an offense if they fail to provide:
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Necessary sustenance and potable water.
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Access to clean and sanitary shelter and protection from the weather. The shelter must be sufficient to permit the animal to retain body heat and keep the animal dry.
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Necessary veterinary care.
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Also, a person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly illtreats, overloads, beats, abandons, tortures, or abuses an animal.
You, or we, may not agree with the way others care for their animals. But, if they are in compliance with the above standards, we cannot base our response on your, or our, opinion.
You must have first-hand knowledge. Did you personally observe the incident? Our humane officers cannot investigate second-hand, hearsay, or anonymous reports. We will not share your name or information with anyone unless ordered by a court to do so. However, there are some situations that can only be prosecuted if there is a witness who is willing to testify.
Photographs or videos that are legally obtained are of great value.
If you have read all of the above and feel that someone is in violation of the law, call 724-331-1577 to file a report.
You can also email sceahumane@gmail.com.
The following information must be included:
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Your name.
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A phone number where you can be reached.
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The address/location of the incident. Remember, our officers can only respond in Westmoreland County.
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Your relationship to the people or person you are reporting.
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A detailed description of what you observed or witnessed.
What Happens After The Report is Made
Our officers will begin an investigation. Please do not call and ask for information or details regarding the outcome of the investigation. Active investigations must be handled properly and disclosing information can compromise the case and/or violate the legal rights of the individuals. If the officer needs more information, he or she will contact you.
PAUL REED
Paul has been a humane police officer with SCEA for four years and he has been involved with SCEA since its formation. He has an extensive background in equine related business and education. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with
ERIN CASSIDY
Erin Cassidy has been working as a Humane Police Officer since 2017. She has extensive training and experience and has been very successful in the prosecution of humane cases. Erin believes that quality of life and the best outcome for the animals, whether through education and assistance, or law enforcement, is always the primary goal of humane work. Erin cares for her own horses and cows at home, and continues her pursuit of equine education through SCEA.
SCEA Humane Police Officers
Last month, not only did Lakota start the next chapter in his life by heading to Scott Downs for his month of training, but so did Apache. Yup! That's right! Apache has been adopted! All of us at SCEA always knew Apache was such a special soul. We knew he had so much to give, so much more to do on this earth. We found the most perfect place for him to do that.
The second his new mommy came to meet him, it was obvious. He chose her. There was an instant bond. An instant love. In that moment, everything fell into place. We could finally breathe a little easier. Not only has Apache found the best mom and dad, but he will have a purpose in life. Apache is now the newest member of STAT Inc. Apache will be used as a therapy horse to help kids with trauma. Not only is his story a remarkable one, but he will be a small part in all these kids stories as well. They can help fix each other. Humans have done all of them wrong and they will heal together. Apache has touched every life that met him during his time at SCEA, and thinking of all the lives he will get to touch at his new home makes us very happy.
We are excited to see what the future holds for these two. One chapter has closed and another has opened. This is why we do what we do. We will keep everyone updated on the progress of both Lakota and Apache. Please go check out STAT Inc. Facebook page and look at all the wonderful things they do. They are amazing. The time has FINALLY come that we can say Lakota AND Apache have officially been given their Second Chance