Mounted search and rescue

["Thomas and Christy Matthews" <tcmatthews0113@msn.com>]

I'm new to the list as our county is just starting a MSAR group. They will
be a part of our regular county SAR group and thus receive training in all
aspects of SAR.  Our sheriff has some concerns with liabilities. In our
state the sheriff of each co. is responsible for all searches. Everyone
called in to aid in a search is covered under workmen's comp, and the county
will usually reimburse or pay for personal equipment that is lost or damaged
during a search. But, now that we are talking the possibility of loosing or
injuring an expensive horse, where does the liability lay, on the horse
owner or the county? I just wanted to get some idea as to how other groups
handle this.

Thanks, Christy in Montana
>From TFinkle@erols.com  Wed Apr 16 13:52:15 2003
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To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Liability
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Christy,  your local Sheriff may want to look at the existing policies 
regarding searches under County jurisdiction.  Depending on the reach 
and scope of a search, your local sheriff may not be in command of an 
incident and may only be used as a resource. It sounds like your area 
operates a little different, then those here on the east coast.   Is 
there a local current policy addressing the replacement of a K-9 or 
other animals lost in the line of duty?   Is your mounted team a 
recognized extension of the Sheriff's Department?  The answers to those 
questions should have a major impact on vicarious liability claims for 
reimbursement.

  Many SAR Teams have discovered that additional insurance is needed, in 
order to properly protect their members.  This is also the reason why 
many units are now updating or creating their Equestrian Mounted Team 
Performance Standards.   If no standards exist within the Sheriffs span 
of control, then someone (agency, group or organization) needs be held 
responsible, to insure that any mount used during a search or rescue 
incident has been reasonability and prudently tested and deemed suitable 
for public safety use.  I hope this information helps.

Tomi

Team Training Officer
TROT Search & Rescue Mounted Team
Team founded in 1992