MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
The mission of the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals is to protect the health and welfare of neglected and abused equines. The vision is the elimination of equine abuse and neglect.
     
     The MSSPA provides superior rehabilitative care as well as access to veterinary services 24 hours a day, and maintains nearly forty equines on its farm facilities. Each year dozens of horses are placed at the Society's farm facilities by Maine law enforcement agencies. Following rehabilitation, most animals are adopted into permanent homes. Those unsuitable for adoption remain at the Society for the balance of their natural lives.

Our organization provides programs involved with equine rescue, adoption & retirement
Our organization provides community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
Our organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in our programs.
100% of our total programs and services are equine-related.
Our organization does not use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities
Number of facilities/locations where horses used in our programs are HOUSED AND CARED FOR or were HOUSED AND CARED FOR during 2022: 1

Summary of organization's recent accomplishments, goals, strategies to achieve the goals, and capabilities to meet the goals, including its long-term plans to sustain its programs:
The primary goals of the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals are to provide for horses placed in its care, to help reduce the incidence of animal abuse through humane education, and to support public policy initiatives that improve animals’ quality of life. The Society also seeks to find the right adoptive home for each rescued horse at its shelter.
     
     The MSSPA serves all of Maine's equines who are removed from abusive and neglectful situations by Maine law enforcement agencies and placed at the Society’s farm, a licensed animal shelter. It also works to divert equines from entering the shelter system by providing a successful, no-cost platform for rehoming privately owned equines – the Maine Horse Matchmaker. A second diversionary service is its Feed and Care Bank, which provides temporary financial assistance to equine owners whose circumstances put their animals at risk.
     
     The MSSPA is a statewide organization, primarily sheltering formerly abused or neglected Maine horses. The Society also collaborates with other New England shelters. In February 2022, for the first time in its 150-year history of horse sheltering, the MSSPA received six horses from the state of Vermont, seized by the Vermont Police Department in Colchester. (All six of those horses have since found their forever homes!)
     
     Additionally, the MSSPA and the New Hampshire SPCA hold a memorandum of understanding that defines an inter-agency network that allows the transfer of equines between the two organizations. MSSPA and NHSPCA have very similar goals with respect to equines in need of training and placement into private homes.
     
     Now in the second year of the guidance of a five-year strategic plan, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of equines in need of care. Specifically, the organization has established the following goals to maximize its impact for the benefit of Maine equines:
     
     •Advance equine welfare through prevention, response, rehabilitation, and rehoming.
     •Serve as the state’s information clearinghouse for horse welfare issues and practices.
     •Position the MSSPA as the statewide leader in equine welfare.
     •Expand the MSSPA’s community engagement, fundraising, outreach, and marketing initiatives.
     •Steward the land and facilities at the River Road Farm.
     •Sustain a strong Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals.
     
     The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals possesses the capability to accomplish the aforementioned goals with an annual budget of more than $1,000,000, a significant endowment to ensure the organization’s future operation, a skilled and experienced staff, and a robust board of directors with high visibility in the community.
     
     The MSSPA has a low percentage of staff turnovers and developed an experienced management team that includes:
     
     •The Executive Director also serves as Vice President of the Board, brings more than a dozen years of experience with small business and equine farm operations to the team; she's on the board of the Maine Federation of Humane Societies and is the chief liaison with the Maine Department of Agriculture’s Animal Welfare Program.
     
     •The Operations Manager has been with the Society for eight years and has been extremely effective in the position. He is an experienced horseman with significant equine facility management experience. The basic farm operations of animal care, facility maintenance, and hay farming have flourished with his knowledgeable, efficient, and professional efforts.
     
     •The Advancement Director recently joined the team, leaving a career in television reporting and journalism, and brings to the team a wealth of experience and relationships throughout the state, as well as a background in photography and videography, small business management, event planning, social media and fundraising.
     
     •The Community Programs Manager has nearly twenty years of experience in the field of social work, including clinical practice and personnel management. She is responsible for frontline management of the incarcerated volunteers from SMWRC, as well as overseeing the Society's Volunteer Coordinator, community volunteers, volunteer groups, and days of service at the farm. Additionally, some of her professional efforts include supporting the barn staff with horse care and management.
     
     The MSSPA’s accomplishment in 2022 include the following:
     
     •31 horses were adopted, including nine members of the Neglected 20 – a single herd of 20 neglected horses seized in July of 2021 from a private owner in southern Maine.
     •77 horses in total received rehabilitation services. This number includes all horses who (by the end of 2022) either resided at the farm and were titled to the MSSPA (18) or resided at the farm while their criminal court cases were still pending (and not yet titled to the MSSPA)(10), had been adopted (31), had been euthanized (8), had been transferred to residential training (2), transferred to partner shelters (8).
     •36 horses were listed on Maine Horse Matchmaker.
     •25 horses were provided with emergency support from the Society's Feed and Care Bank.
     •191 active MSSPA individual volunteers, and 25 groups from the community, as well as residents of the Southern Maine Women's Re-Entry Center (transitional housing for women leaving incarceration) donated nearly 9,000 hours of service at the shelter.
     •The agency raised over $700,000 in individual donations, which includes MSSPA's annual Buy-A-Bale campaign, and more than $200,000 in grant funding.
     •More than 1,900 visitors participated in scheduled visits to the shelter.
     •Nearly $122,000 in goods and services were donated to the MSSPA.
     
     The MSSPA works diligently to support critical programs through grassroots fundraising and private sector funding. Financial support from private foundations, as well as our public fundraising efforts, have allowed the Society to retain its standing as the premier horse shelter in New England.
     
     The Society has made remarkable progress at transitioning from being a founder-led organization to becoming a vital, visible, nonprofit business actively engaged with its constituencies. The MSSPA is meeting its mission and, also, by virtue of its robust growth, expanding its influence in Maine’s animal welfare community. Over the past 15 years, the Society has dramatically increased its publicly-generated revenues, and created and cultivated a highly successful volunteer program. By every objective measure, from good press to positive outcomes for an increased number of rehabilitated horses, the Society is achieving success.
     
     In 2018, with careful stewardship of gifted funds and perseverance, the Society completed an enormous capital expansion at River Road farm. The impact of the expansion on the Society’s visibility and its ability to attract additional, new supporters is well underway. Thanks, in part, to the generosity of private foundations and individual donors, the Society will continue to meet its mission. As the Society looks ahead, plans are underway to design and build a state-of-the-art intake facility on the north side of the farm. Site work planning for this facility is already underway. The vision is that any seizure of equines - large or small - coming to the farm will be housed and assessed in this facility, ensuring proper quarantine and thorough medical evaluations as these horses begin their rehabilitation as part of the MSSPA herd.

Equine Transition Services:
Overview of our programs involved with rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, re-homing and/or retirement (RRRRR):
     MSSPA is New England’s premier horse shelter. It partners with state and local law enforcement to provide shelter and care for abused and neglected horses and collaborates wherever possible to maximize the resources of all:
     
     •MSSPA has a memorandum of understanding with Maine’s largest private horse rescue, Horses With Hope. There, talented horsewomen work with Society horses seeking new permanent homes. All services, including care, training, and board of the horses, are provided at no cost to the MSSPA;
     
     •Equine rehabilitation and sanctuary – Volunteers and paid staff, together with veterinarians and farriers, operate the shelter and a sanctuary for rescued equines who cannot safely be placed in adoptive homes;
     
     •Adoption – A successful horse adoption program, which includes a careful screening process, pre-placement check of adoptive homes, execution of appropriate legal documents because MSSPA believes there is a right home for every horse, and annual follow-up with each adopted horse for the duration of its lifetime;
     
     •Maine Horse Matchmaker – A free service operated by the Society which offers promotion, networking, and matchmaking services for horses in need of rehoming. It provides assistance to horse owners no longer able to care for their animals, regardless of the reason, and endeavors to keep horses out of the shelter system;
     
     •Feed and Care Bank – A program to provide temporary, emergency assistance to Maine horses in need. MSSPA expends funds on a range of items, from hay to vet care; and
     
     •Farmland preservation – A large open-space agricultural enterprise on its 124-acre farm annually produces an average of 7,500 bales of hay to help sustain the horses in the shelter.
Overview of our programs involved with providing community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     •The Society collaborates with several animal shelters in Southern Maine to provide summer camper experience and humane education;
     
     •MSSPA staff offer hands-on learning opportunities at River Road farm and presentations to teach the many aspects of animal welfare at no cost to the public;
     
     •Society staffers are eager to bring awareness to the life-saving work of the MSSPA. Hands-on learning opportunities at River Road farm and presentations to the public are available upon request;
     
     • Volunteer and paid staff opportunities for incarcerated women who are housed nearby at the Southern Maine Women’s Re-entry Center. The program is designed to give women the skills and experience they need to successfully live as positive citizens and employees after they transition from state correctional facilities into their home communities. The program is a benefit to the horse shelter and to the almost 50 women participating in it since its inception.
     
     •Legislation – MSSPA is nonpartisan. The Society monitors and comments on animal welfare legislation that is relevant to its work.

Research/Medical Use of Equines:
Our organization has never made, and would not ever consider making, equines available for research studies or medical training that involves invasive procedures and/or that which may cause pain or suffering to the equine. 

Religious Affiliation:
Our organization does not promote religious education, religious purposes, or a specific religious faith or use donations for religious education or religious purposes; require participants to be of a certain faith; require participation in religious, instruction, activities or services; or require participation in prayer, worship, religious instruction or other religious activities as a condition of receiving social or secular services offered. 

Auction Donation:
Our organization has never allowed, or would not consider allowing, an equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that would cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter. 

EQUINE CENSUS SUMMARY

Total Facilities: 1

POLICIES: ACQUISITION

Our organization acquires horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Return  
    Surrender  
    Seizure  
    Abandonment  

Our organization does not acquire horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Donation  
    Lease  
    Purchase/Adoption from Owner  
    Auction  
    Kill pen/Feedlot  

Our organization will accept the following:
    Geldings
    Mares
    Pregnant Mares
    Foals
    Stallions
    Only Stallions to be castrated

Additional information about our acquisition policies and practices:
The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals does not allow the breeding of animals. Any stallion received into care is castrated as soon as medically or legally possible.

POLICIES: INTAKE, ASSESSMENT & TRAININING

Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization requires the following with respect to the health status of the horse:
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations

Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization has the following policies in place:
    Equines are not taken on trial

Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian upon arrival and/or prior to offsite quarantine departure
    Physical examination by trained barn staff
    Photographs are taken of each equine upon arrival at the facility and kept with the equine's health records
    A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned
    Physical examination by a farrier
    Physical examination by a dentist
    Coggins test
    Blood work other than Coggins
    Fecal test
    Vaccinations
    De-worming

Upon intake, the organization has the following quarantine policy in place:
    The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine at the facility for a prescribed period of time

The typical length of quarantine is:   20 to 30 days

Horses are assessed for following skills and behaviors:
    Retrieval from a pasture/paddock
    Leading with a halter and lead rope
    Temperament, disposition and attitude, such as rated from very calm to very high spirited
    Saddling
    Bridling
    Lunging
    Loading onto and unloading off a trailer
    Mounting and dismounting
    Riding at the walk
    Riding at the trot
    Riding at the canter
    Riding by a beginner and/or unbalanced rider
    Jumping
    Driving (Pulling a carriage)
    Tolerance to unusual objects and loud noises
    Known vices, i.e., cribbing, biting, kicking, weaving, stall walking, etc
    Grooming
    Bathing
    Clipping
    Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually
    Photographs are taken of each equine monthly and kept with the equine's health records
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine acupuncturist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually
Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the weight-carrying or workload capabilities of horses/equines that are ridden in our care:
    Our organization evaluates at least annually and maintains a written record of the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden

The following variables are considered in determining the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden:
    Equine age, weight, breed, body condition, fitness, balance, health and soundness
    Equine conformation to include the top line, length of back, strength and width of loin, bone density (measured by the circumference of the cannon bone just below the knee)
    Size, shape, condition and angle of the hooves
    Participant weight, height, body proportions, balance, fitness and riding skills as well as behavioral issues and safety concerns
    Weight and proper fit of the saddle and other equipment
    Terrain and footing in the working environment
    Duration and frequency of working sessions, as the frequency with which an equine is subjected to maximum weight carrying and/or workload
    Nature and pace of work, repetitive or varied, radius of turns, degree of incline and regularity of footing when equine is subject to maximum weight-carrying capacity
    Temperature and/or weather conditions
    Seasonal impact on the equines' workload and weight-carrying capabilities and limitations


Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):   As needed; no set schedule

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
Nearly all the horses received into care here are the product of law enforcement seizures and little to no medical history is ever obtained.
     
     Ground manners and other training are regularly provided to horses that are physically able to participate.

POLICIES: BREEDING

The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
    Our main facility where our organization conducts its programs does NOT breed equines.

POLICIES: EUTHANASIA

The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
    Our organization will never have an equine euthanized for space
    Our organization will have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian if the equine is a threat to itself, other equines, or people
    Our organization will have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian after all reasonable treatment options have been explored
    Euthanasia is done on site when possible to decrease trauma from transport
    Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours

The following are authorized to administer the procedure for your organization in accordance with state laws:
    Veterinarian

Additional information about our euthanasia policies and practices:
ARTICLE VII
     EUTHANIZATION OF ANIMALS
     
     7.1 The Officers and Directors of the organization shall conduct the business of the organization such that the decision to humanely euthanize an animal owned by the MSSPA shall be made by the Executive Director, with a recommendation from a duly licensed equine veterinarian, in consultation with the MSSPA's Operations Manager. If the Executive Director is not available and the circumstances requiring euthanization are exigent, the Operations Manager, having made a good faith effort to contact the Executive Director, shall make the decision, with a recommendation from a duly licensed equine veterinarian.

POLICIES: RE-HOMING

View Re-homing Agreement
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    All potential adopters/purchasers complete a written contract which constitutes the agreement between our organization and the new owner
    Potential adopters/purchasers must visit our organization and be observed with the equine on site
    The distance of a potential adopter/purchaser's home from our facility is a consideration for when re-homing an equine
    Our organization conducts a site visit of the adopter/purchaser's facility before the transfer of the equine to the adopter/purchaser's facility
    Adopters/purchasers are NOT required to provide updates

The uploaded Re-homing agreement includes the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) statements:
    The agreement reflects that any individual or organization in possession of the equine as of the date of the agreement and any time thereafter is bound to not sell the equine at auction for slaughter or allow the equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that will cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.
    The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must grant approval of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization, including being provided written notification of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that re-homed equines cannot be bred
    The agreement states that if there is any breach of contract the equine must be returned to our organization
    The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make unannounced visits
    The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make scheduled visits
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization free of charge

Our organization requires references from the following:
    Veterinarian
    Farrier

Transfer of ownership occurs:   Immediately (at the time of adoption/purchase) or less than one year

The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
Not applicable; None received

Our organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization, and/or are no longer manageable:
    Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization
    In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    In the case an equine is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    The organization will accept financial responsibility for equines in the current care of the organization that need to be retired or are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization if all alternatives have been explored to find the equine an appropriate placement and space is not available for the equine to remain at the organization.

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
While adopters are not charged an adoption fee, adopters are asked to make a donation to the MSSPA to support the care of the herd. At the time of adoption, title to the horse becomes fully shared between the adopter and the organization. There is a joint tenancy of ownership in the animal.

EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION

Total facilities at which our organization cares for and shelters horses used in our programs: 1
Our organization does not use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities

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Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals
279 River Road Windham ME 04062
Contact: Kathy Woodbrey
Contact's Phone: 2078923040
Contact's Email: kathy@msspa.org
Currently operational

Does your organization own, lease or use a part of this facility? Own

Provide the contact information for the individual or organization responsible for investigating abuse in the county where the facility is located, including mailing address, email address, and phone information.
     Jacqueline Frye, Windham Animal Control Officer Animal Refuge Leaugue of Greater Portland 217 Landing Road Westbrook, ME 04092 207-892-2525

Does your organization conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) at this facility in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS)? No

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Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals

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Veterinarian Information
Veterinarian: Tom Judd
Clinic Name: Equine Veterinary Service
132 U.S. Route One, Suite 1
Freeport   ME   04032
Phone: 207-865-9998

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Grounds: Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (*Main)
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 28
Total number of horses at this facility INCLUDING those counted above: 28
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 100
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 90
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 2  Run-in sheds: 12
Pastures: 4  Paddocks/Pens: 11
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 1












Regarding structures at this facility where horses are stalled:
Do horses have assigned stalls in the structure(s)?    Yes    
Do all stalls/enclosures allow horses to lie down, stand up and turn around?    Yes    
Is there adequate ceiling & beam height (a minimum of 12 feet above the tip of the horse's ear) when standing in all stalls/enclosures?    Yes    
How often are the stalls/enclosures cleaned? 6-7 Days a Week
Are floors constructed and maintained for both good drainage and traction?    Yes    
Is there a ventilation and circulation system in place to control temperature and prevent buildup of toxic gases?    Yes    
Is wiring inaccessible to horses and maintained for safety?    Yes    
Are fire prevention/protection measures (fire alarms, extinguishers and sprinkler systems) maintained and in good working order?     Yes    
Is there adequate lighting to ensure safety in all areas of facility?     Yes    
Are emergency contacts, including veterinarian contact information, conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes    
Are human and equine first aid kits easily accessible?     Yes    

How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled? 13-16
How many hours per day, on average, are horses turned out:
    Equines are out 4 to 8 hours per day

The following describes the pastures at this facility:
    All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
    Pastures are rotated
    Pastures have natural protection for equines (i.e., trees)
    Pastures have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)

The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
    All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Turnout areas have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly

The following policies and procedures are in place at the facility to restrict public access and to keep horses safe:
    Equines are checked overnight
    By Appointment Only signs are posted.
    No Trespassing signs are posted
    Hold Harmless signs are posted
    Authorized Personnel Only signs are posted
    Visitors are only permitted at specific times
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas
    The property is fitted with a security system monitored by police or a professional service
    The property is fitted with a security system that is monitored internally by staff (or the property owner)

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Equine Care: Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (*Main) 2023 and 2022

Horse Health Care/Barn Management Records: What system is used to collect and store health/horse care records?
    Onsite computer with cloud-based backup storage system
    Our organization utilizes a software application to maintain records
    Our organization would use free cloud-based barn management software if available

The following items are consistent with our feed management plan and practices:
    Equines are provided with individualized feeding plans, including supplements, according to age and any health issues
    Feed plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    Supplement plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    Equines are fed in individual stalls
    Staff and volunteers are trained in proper feed measurements and protocols and observed periodically to ensure they are feeding correctly
    The feed chart is centrally located and updated as needed
    The area(s) where hay, feed, grain, and supplements are stored are kept clean, free of debris and chemicals, and protected from weather and other animals in rodent-proof and mold-proof containers and grain bins
    Feed, supplements and hay types are clearly labeled
    Water sources, i.e., buckets, troughs, automatic waterers, etc. are kept clean, free of debris and chemicals, and protected from weather and other animals
    Medications are kept in a locked, climate-controlled area

Do horses have access to clean drinking water at all times?     Yes    

Hoof Care: How often is hoof care provided for each horse? Every 4-8 weeks and when an issue arises

Dental Care: How often is dental care provided for each horse? Annually and when an issue arises

Horse checks: How often are horses visually and physically checked by personnel at the facility? Every day or 6 days a week


Parasite Control: Our organization has the following worming protocols in place: (Check all that apply
    The protocol for each equine is determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    Fecal testing is performed prior to the use of a de-wormer.

Fly/Insect Control: What remedies are used to control flies and insects?
    Fly parasites
    Fly Traps and Tapes
    Fly Spray Repellent
    Fly Masks
    Fly Sheets
    Fans

The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
    Our organization follows the AAEP's Biosecurity Guidelines and/or the UC Davis Biosecurity Guidelines
    The organization has a written biosecurity plan
    Our organization follows the biosecurity guidelines of our veterinarian
    A specific individual is assigned to care for sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cared for last if the caretaker must also care for healthy equines
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines do not have contact with other equines or other animals
    Restricted access signs are posted at primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Hand sanitizers and footbaths are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Trailers/vans used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cleaned and disinfected after each use and cleaning takes place away from where equines are sheltered
    Equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is not shared and is clearly labeled
    Latex gloves are worn when working with sick, affected and/or quarantined equines

The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
    Manure is hauled, sold or given away
    Our organization adheres to the manure management guidelines set by state and/or local authorities

The following steps are taken to help staff and volunteers readily identify each horse on the property:
    Name plates are located on the stall
    Photos are located on the stall
    A map/diagram is posted showing the location of each equine with equine names and photos
    Equine photos and profiles are available on the website
    Staff/volunteers are provided training on conformation, markings, colors, and breeds

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
    Saddles are shared
    Saddle pads are shared
    Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are fitted and utilized for each equine appropriate to the equine's needs and the weather conditions
    Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are cleaned regularly as needed
    Tack is cleaned after each use
    Tack is inspected for overall working condition before each use by trained personnel
    Tack is assessed for fit before each use by trained personnel
    Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's body condition changes
    Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's disposition changes
    Tack is stored in a climate-controlled location
    Helmets are replaced after a fall

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Emergency Preparedness: Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals: *Main
The following plans, policies, and procedures are in place at the facility to handle emergencies and address weather related issues, fire safety procedures, and/or any additional hazardous scenarios the facility could potentially experience:
    Emergency phone numbers are posted prominently
    The facility owns or has access to a generator
    The facility maintains at least two weeks of hay, feed, shavings and medications
    The facility collects and maintains medical information from staff, volunteers, and clients
    The facility maintains appropriate liability and/or workers' compensation insurance
    The organization has a written emergency preparedness/safety plan (EPP)
The written EPP addresses the following areas:
    Local fire department and/or the state's emergency planning department procedures
    Medical emergencies for clients, staff, and volunteers
    Medical emergencies for equines
    Fire
    Natural Disasters - thunderstorm, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc
    Protocols to notify emergency personnel
    Building/facility exit plans


The facility follows the specific procedures to help PREVENT emergency situations:
    Smoking is strictly prohibited
    Permanent or temporary structures where equines are stalled are kept free of dust, cobwebs, trash, cleaning rags, and other flammable items
    Aisles and doorways are kept clear
    Heaters with automatic shutoff settings are used

How often are the following checked or performed?
Fire Extinguishers are checked: Annually
Smoke detectors are checked: Annually
Electrical Systems are checked: Not at all/NA
Fence lines are checked: Daily
Turnout Areas are checked: Daily
Sprinkler systems are checked: Not at all/NA
Fire drills are conducted: Not at all/NA
Review of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Annually
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Annually
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Not at all/NA

Equine Transportation
2-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
3-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
4-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  1 Access offsite;
6-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
8-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
10-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;

GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL REPORTING

Financial Reporting
Budget:  $1M to $2M
Equine Budget:   $150K to $250K
Month Fiscal Year Ends: 12
Type of Financial Reporting (Audit, Review, Compilation): Audit
Type of IRS Filing (990, 990-EZ, 990-N): 990

Does the uploaded Pro Forma 990/990 represent ? No
View The IRS Form 990/Pro Forma 990


Governing Body:
Board meetings per year:  4
Number of Board Members:  13  Number of Voting Board Members:  12

Board Compensation:
Is Board Chair compensated?  No  Is Treasurer compensated?  No
Are there any other Voting Board Members that are compensated?  No
Board/Staff Relationships:
Are any members of the Board, Staff or Program Participants related to each other through family or business relationships? No

Board Affiliations:
Are any Board members providing services to your organization or compensated by your organization, or are any Board members or staff members associated with and/or compensated by another organization with a relationship or business affiliation to your organization? No

Conflict of Interest:
Does your organization have a written conflict of interest policy that ensures that any compensated board member is a NON-VOTING (Independent) board member or that any compensated board member or any board member related to a compensated staff member, independent contractor, or any related board members, or any individual or organization that might benefit from a board decision, abstains from voting on issues impacting such compensation and requires officers, directors or trustees, and key employees to disclose at least annually in writing interests that could give rise to conflicts?  Yes


Compliance:
Below is a list all local, state and federal licenses held by the organization, and/or accreditations or compliances with the published standards of an accrediting organization, if applicable:  The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).
     
     Pursuant to Maine law, the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals is a licensed animal shelter.

Organization documents available on our website:
    Most recent Financials
    Most recent IRS Form 990

Organization documents available on request:
    Most recent Financials
    Most recent IRS Form 990
    Most recent Annual Report
    Equine Intake Guidelines
    Adoption/Foster Agreement
    Volunteer Handbook
    Staff Handbook
    Bylaws


Staff & Volunteers:
Chief Staff Officer (CSO):  Kathy Woodbrey, Executive Director
Employees/Independent Contractors:   Full-Time:  6  Part-Time:  4  Volunteers:  190
Staff Recruitment, Screening and Training processes including employees and independent contractors:
    Prospective staff/independent contractors complete a written application/agreement
    Our organization has a practice in place to ensure that the organization has sufficient knowledge of the background of prospective staff and independent contractors that may impact the safety of your clients and your horses, such as whether prospective staff/independent contractors serving in the capacity as staff have been convicted of a sexual offense or convicted for animal cruelty or neglect. Such practices must comply with local, state, and federal mandates.
    Staff and/or contractors are required to provide Emergency Medical Information
    Staff and/or contractors are required to sign a Photo Release
    Prospective staff/independent contractors are required to undergo a Background Check
    Staff and/or contractors carry current health insurance
    Staff and/or contractors have a written job description
    Staff and/or contractors are evaluated on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in their job description
    Staff and/or contractors are updated on all the organization's policies and procedures on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in policy or procedure
    Staff and/or contractors receive training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, equine handling, equine identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
    Staff and/or contractors have a supervisor and is responsible for keeping their supervisor up to date on work related activities
    The organization provides a handbook to every member of the staff, including employees and/or independent contractors serving in staff positions;
    The handbook includes information, such as hours of work, vacation, sick leave, dress code, cell phone usage, and the protocol for dismissal
    One or more staff members or contractors are trained in CPR and human first aid
    One or more staff members or contractors are trained in equine first aid

Volunteer Recruitment, Screening and Training processes:
    Prospective volunteers complete a written application/agreement
    Our organization has a practice in place to ensure that the organization has sufficient knowledge of the background of prospective volunteers that may impact the safety of your clients and your horses, such as whether prospective volunteers have been convicted of a sexual offense or convicted for animal cruelty or neglect. Such practices must comply with local, state, and federal mandates.
    Every volunteer is required to complete a Liability Release/Hold Harmless Agreement
    Every volunteer is required to provide Emergency Medical Information
    Every volunteer is required to sign a Photo Release
    Every volunteer provides parent/guardian information if applicable
    Every volunteer carries current health insurance
    Every volunteer receives training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, equine handling, equine identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
    Every volunteer is assigned a supervisor (staff member and/or senior volunteer) and is responsible for keeping their supervisor up to date on work related activities
    The supervisor assesses the volunteer's abilities and assigns specific duties to the volunteer based on their skills
    The organization records and maintains written attendance information and hours on every volunteer
    The organization provides a Volunteer Handbook to every volunteer
    The Volunteer Handbook includes volunteer-related information, such as hours of work, dress code, cell phone usage, and the protocol for dismissal
    The organization holds regular orientation sessions for volunteers and prospective volunteers that includes an overview of the organization, its mission, activities, volunteer responsibilities and expectations, safety guidelines, and a tour of the facility
Additional explanation regarding governance, staffing and volunteer practices or further explanation of the answers above.
The Exective Director serves as an Officer and is a non-voting member of the Board.