March 2023 Issue

Page 52 March 2023 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN Trial Date Set for Officer Who Killed Horse Lingering Issues There are three issues that will likely not be part of the trial, but which officials should consid- er. First, Perillo’s conduct in this incident should be viewed in the context of previous incidents. In August 2018, Perillo was charged in Warminster Township with criminal mischief with the intent to damage property. He pleaded guilty and paid a fine. Second, Perillo was totally un- prepared to deal with the situation. He knew there was a loose horse on the road. Yet, he went to the scene with no apparent plan. He didn’t even have a rope he could have used to safely lead the horse off the roadway. He and his partner were so ill-prepared that they tried to fashion a rope out of jumper cables. Third, it’s clear that Perillo did not have even rudimentary training to prepare him for encounters with horses or other farm animals loose on the roads. Among the states with the largest population of horses, Pennsylvania ranks eighth. It’s sur- prising that—given the state’s large concentration of horse farms and other agricultural activities—police officers would be so manifestly unprepared for what is not exactly a freak occurrence. When asked whether new or enhanced training programs have been mandated be- cause of this incident, PSP respond- ed that “PSP is always looking for ways to improve training, but we cannot comment specifically due to the ongoing nature of this case.” There is not a shortage of resources in the region for specialized training that would benefit both police officers and first responders. The Garden State Horse & Carriage Society organized an emergency horse handling clinic for first respond- ers in 2019. After hearing about this incident, they’re planning to host another clinic. Closer to home, the Large An- imal Protection Society (LAPS) in West Grove could provide valuable advice based on many years of experience with horses. Founded in 1988, LAPS is dedicated to ending cruelty to large animals. Additionally, the organization is authorized to investigate cruelty complaints and prosecute offend- ers. “State-trained and court-au- thorized, badged Humane Society Police Officers provide a valuable community service” in Chester and Lancaster counties. What happened to that un- named horse in December 2021 was a profound tragedy that did not need to happen. First responders in the state—particularly in rural ar- eas—should receive proper training to prepare them to deal humanely and safely with animals in distress. The free Emergency Horse Handling Clinic for first respond- ers will be held Saturday, April 1 at the Horse Park of New Jersey in Allentown, NJ. Sponsored by the Garden State Horse & Carriage Society, registration is requested. Email reinslady@gmail.com with your name, phone number, and position as a first responder. (Continued from page 49)