The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) congratulates Grant Miller, DVM, a practitioner with Sonoma Marin Veterinary Service in Petaluma and a defender of abused, abandoned, and neglected horses in Sonoma County, Calif., as the Good Works honoree for the month of March.

Miller partnered with local animal control in 2007 to found Coins to Help Abandoned and NeGlected Equine (CHANGE). Today, the nonprofit organization provides housing, transportation, veterinary care, adoption, and rehabilitation services for abused, neglected, and relinquished horses found within the county. The program trains animal control officers to handle equine abuse cases and provides public outreach to educate members of the community about responsible horse ownership.

With forensic training from Melinda Merck, DVM, of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Miller has trained hundreds of California animal control officers to investigate crime scenes. He has been called on by district attorneys throughout the state to offer expert testimony during dozens of equine abuse and neglect cases. In addition, he conducts monthly owner education events aimed to inform the public about realistic expectations when owning a horse.

The AAEP’s Good Works Campaign honors AAEP-member practitioners who perform volunteer service to benefit horses and the equine community. Horse owners and veterinary professionals are encouraged to nominate veterinarians to be considered for the next monthly recognition by April 30