A new group is trying to help horse owners whose equines are in danger of being seized.

The Western PA Farm Alliance, formed in May, has more than 20 members. The group includes farmers, horse owners, veterinarians and others.

Elan Welter-Lewis of Clearfield Township, a member of the group, said it does not have a president, but everyone has an equal voice.

“We work in partnership,” Welter-Lewis said.

She said the group was founded as a reaction to horse seizures in Butler County this year.

Welter-Lewis said the goals of the group are to protect the rights of animals and animal owners, to ensure that standard protocols are followed regarding animal laws and to provide help to farmers in times of need.

She said this is part of what horse rescue groups should be doing.

“We’re filling that gap,” Welter-Lewis said.

She said animal laws in the state are behind the times compared to other states, something the group would like to change.

Welter-Lewis said the state needs to establish parameters for when a horse needs to be seized and then carry out seizures in a manner that helps both the horses and the families that own them.

She also said animal seizures should not be conducted as media campaigns and horses should not be adopted or sold before the owner has had a chance to go to court.

“It’s an effort to bring animal rights in general to the 21st century,” Welter-Lewis said. “We need to catch up.”

She said the group already has done outreach, driving to farms where horses have been in danger of being confiscated due to perceived abuse or poor care.

Working together as a group allows members to work more efficiently.

“We have access to resources that we didn’t have before,” Welter-Lewis said.

She said the group has members from Butler, Armstrong and Venango counties, adding that anyone in Western Pennsylvania can join.

“It’s a very good group,” Welter-Lewis said.

The group may be contacted by mailing to Western PA Farm Alliance, P.O. Box 449, Chicora, PA 16025; or e-mail to WesternPFA@gmail.com.