Sonoma County Change Program

The CHANGE Program was formed in 2007 to support local law enforcement in managing equine humane cases including neglect, abuse, abandonment and relinquishment. CHANGE is a state and federally accredited non-profit organization. It is not a county agency and is supported entirely by private donations. CHANGE provides 24/7 emergency transportation and foster care to horses in the custody of local law enforcement. All horses in the program receive complete veterinary care, hoof care, specialized nutritional support, and their own set of care supplies made possible by generous community donations to the CHANGE Tack and Supply Donation Program. Once rehabilitated, horses are then adopted by permanent loving families CHANGE also serves the community through education and outreach events such as law enforcement training seminars on equine-related subjects and low-cost castration clinics for the public. CHANGE also has served as a subsidiary in several courtroom cases by providing expert witness testimony. Some of the cases set legal precedent and garnered national media attention. Vision Statement To improve the acceptable standard of care for horses by being an agency of social change. Mission Statement To support local law enforcement as a subsidiary in equine cases through humane education, logistical and financial avenues. Core Values • Transparency • Accountability • Professionalism • Support of law enforcement • Education • Advocacy for horses • Ethical leadership • Service to the community through a novel approach Goals To be a transformative agency; to reach beyond business as usual To be a sustainable and secure organization