Responses around Horses.

We have a large Equestrian ( horse ) community in our district and county. Our policy is to run code until we get close ( within 1/2 mile ) and then turn off all lights and sirens, as it can spook the horses and cause them to create a larger hazard. I know there are other depts thathave to deal with this and I was wondering how you deal with responses around horses. I know that there are probablt some of you thinknig don't worry they're only horses but some of these horse are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.We run medical first responder calls, fires and even horse rescue calls. The city close to us has an equine rescue unit.

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Permalink Reply by Chief 29 on March 18, 2009 at 9:28am

We operate basically the same, but not only for horse farms but any type of farm, dairy, pig, etc. I would say that its not because of the value of the animals but have you ever tried to or imagined how you are going to control lets say 300 freaked out pigs after you roll in to the barn lights and sirens? Penn State Univ runs an Ag Rescue course here in PA and the subject of lights and sirens and their effect on the animals is discussed.

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Permalink Reply by Smoke Eater on March 18, 2009 at 5:09pm

I'm an a$$ when it comes to farm animals. Only if they are fenced in though and we are not responding to that farm. But I have been known to wind the Q out just to see the animals run away from the fence.

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Permalink Reply by Tony P on March 18, 2009 at 7:13pm

If there are horses (or stock) on the road we turn off sirens, leaving lights on. If responding into a farm then we turn off sirens on entering the property - no need for them on private property anyway.