WATERBURY – You’re driving to work one morning, glancing out the window, when you notice what appears to be a sick animal in a lot near the highway.

You slow down to get a better look and discover a thin, weak horse whose ribs you can count. There is no grass, hay or water, and no shelter from the sun or the elements – not even a tree. What should you do? What are your moral duties to rescue the horse? What are your potential legal liabilities if you do so? What is your best course of action? What can or should be done to or for the owner? This could easily apply to a dog or cat that you see being abused or neglected.

Cases of animal neglect are sadly all too common. Ironically, most of the owners really do love their animals. Some are “collectors’ who simply acquire more animals than they can take care of; others have become sick, old, or economically disadvantaged, and cannot care for them. Sometimes the animal is so sick that it should be put down, but the owner cannot bear to make that decision. But unfortunately, sometimes the owner is simply cold and uncaring towards the animal that is dependent upon him for humane treatment.

Teikyo Post University will hold an Animal Abuse Symposium Saturday, March 25, 2000 at 1 p.m. at the Waterbury campus. A panel composed of members of local animal rescue organizations, legislators, animal control officers and attorneys will discuss how to prevent animal abuse and the laws surrounding it. Also present will be representatives of various animal rescue associations who will explain their mission, how you can contact them for help or get involved with helping the animals.

Admission is $10. Proceeds will benefit Teikyo Post University’s Equine Scholarships and local animal rescue associations. For information, contact Carole Baker at 203-596-4631.