One animal control officer completed an education on horses and how to gauge whether they are being abused.

Beaufort County Animal Control Officer Aaron Gaskins took a 32-hour course not only to educate himself on the issue of equine abuse, but share that information with others.

“I was certified in AACIS body condition scoring system for equine animals along with being a professional equine cruelty investigator,” Gaskins wrote in a press release. “I love education on all animals which helps me better educate myself along with me educating the public.”

Chief Billy Lassiter said equine abuse represents a small percentage of the number of cases reported to animal control each year — an estimated 25 out of 700 complaints — but investigation is a lot more involved with horses than abuse cases involving dogs or cats.

“Horses are a whole new realm,” Lassiter said. “We have to be able to address issues and be able to testify in court and address the people who (call in equine abuse). You have to be prepared to address them and know the laws.”

Lassiter said most cases of equine abuse he’s seen in Beaufort County have largely involved people who didn’t realize what owning a horse entails when they purchased it.

“It’s somebody getting one for their children and putting them in their backyard, and not having enough room and not understanding that they need to be able to graze, to be able to roam,” Lassiter said, adding that the cost of care including food, medication, vet care, ferrier and dental care can add up quickly.

“Most cases, people just don’t realize what they’ve gotten into,” Lassiter said.

While Gaskins’ certification is a proactive effort on the part of animal control, Lassiter said he’d much rather horse owners who are in over their heads reach out to animal control for assistance.

“We would rather people just call us, and let us help them figure out a solution,” Lassiter said. “(Horses) can get really expensive, and I don’t think people realize. And there are people out there who want to help.”