| Author |
Barnyard Buddies:  Horse Rescue  |
|
Faransgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
895 Posts
Beth
Houston
Texas
USA
895 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 30 2009 : 8:08:29 PM
|
I need some advice here. Until recently I worked for a horse rescue. A few months ago they started refusing to let us call the equine dentist and the farrier. Then they stopped the vet care of the ones that have chronic pain or need surgery. Now they have stopped feeding them and are buying moldy cow hay for them to eat. And although the have stopped feeding them they are not allowing extra hay to be put out. Also, the horses are in a dry lot, there is not a blade of grass to be seen. There are 27 acres and 76 horses. They are refusing the let several of them be adopted out for various lame reasons. The whole staff and especially me have been told that if we report them again we will be sued for slander and libel. How do I proceed. I can't leave the horses out there like that but how do I proceed.
Farmgirl Sister 572
May the force of the horse be with you. |
|
|
QueenofQuiteAlot
True Blue Farmgirl
865 Posts
Dalyn
Milk 'n Honey Ranch
Central, WA
USA
865 Posts |
|
|
maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2009 : 8:32:29 PM
|
that is just dumb and sick. I guess I would just pray really hard... I hope someone else can help you out better. I will pray for you and them.
Hugs,
Channah
If you can dream it, and if you are willing to put forth the work and effort, you can have anything you envision. |
 |
|
|
kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2009 : 8:37:05 PM
|
Why are they doing this? Aren't they there to HELP the rescued horses? This sounds no better than where most of them probaby came from in the first place. What's the problem? Don't they get donations for feed and hay for the horses? I would definitely report this regardless. What could happen but they get the horses out of this awful situation.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
|
|
|
maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2009 : 8:39:07 PM
|
yes report them.. Yeah, and arn't they suppose to help them?
If you can dream it, and if you are willing to put forth the work and effort, you can have anything you envision. |
|
|
|
Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2009 : 9:31:33 PM
|
Yes, you should report them. It's not slander and libel if you are just reporting the plain facts. I would report the subpar food conditions and you could make note that they have refused recent adoptions that they would have accepted in the past. At least get the animal control officers out there to do an inspection. (hugs) I know this must be hard for you since you have been working to try and rescue and rehabilitate these poor horses!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
|
|
|
southerncrossgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
631 Posts
Gena
Harmony
NC
USA
631 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 04:15:14 AM
|
Report them ASAP
"A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes"==Cinderella |
|
|
|
1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 07:38:34 AM
|
REPORT THEM ASAP, I do not understand how anyone lets an animal suffer, but, unfortunatly alot of "rescues" in the last few years ( and probally before) have gotten greedy, instead of useing the money donated to them for the care of the animals, they are spending it on themselves and the animals are suffering big time, these rescues become no better than the place the animal was rescued from, and sometimes worse. Texas has one of the best Humane societys, especially when it comes to horses. Call them, and who ever else from this rescue that will talk, get written statements, also have them call. Good luck
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
|
|
|
Hosanna
True Blue Farmgirl
466 Posts
Hosanna
Alton
Virginia
466 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 07:52:46 AM
|
Doesn't sound like a "rescue" to me at all. It's stupid do refuse adoptions during these times. Can you and the other members solicit donations? Raise some money; anything? If they get busted, where will the horses go????
Things are really bad for the unwanted horses in the world these days. If it gets worse and they refuse to do anything, I'd report them no matter what. They can't sue you over that. They're just trying to scare you.
www.happilyeverafterhosanna.blogspot.com
www.thewindofheaven.blogspot.com
www.CarolinaRoses.etsy.com |
|
|
|
Faransgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
895 Posts
Beth
Houston
Texas
USA
895 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 08:40:00 AM
|
Ok, I reported them. I sent in the form this morning. They use to be a really good rescue, they have done great work in the past but they have someone new on the management team. They are spending money trying to be a famous rescue rather than taking care of the horses. I talked to all the staff last night and after we quit crying we decided even if they sue us we will be doing the right thing. I filled out the form this morning with details. Thanks for your encouragement. It is not so cold today so the horses will at least have a break from the cold.
Farmgirl Sister 572
May the force of the horse be with you. |
|
|
|
maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 08:57:33 AM
|
Please keep us posted Beth.
Hugs,
Channah
If you can dream it, and if you are willing to put forth the work and effort, you can have anything you envision. |
|
|
|
southerncrossgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
631 Posts
Gena
Harmony
NC
USA
631 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 5:03:56 PM
|
Beth, you did the right thing. Please let us know what happens.
"A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes"==Cinderella |
|
|
|
lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 6:00:05 PM
|
OMG, Beth. The horse rescue I was thinking about helping out with?! This is terrible and sad. I am glad you reported them. If I can help back you up, I will?! This is exactly what they are supposed to be against! OMG... This is a big issue for me.
~~~~
Proud Farmgirl #775
http://maggielousdaughter.blogspot.com
(in construction!)
|
|
|
|
maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 6:04:56 PM
|
It's just plain sick.. I could never do that to an animal and I am so mad that other people do this to them.. It takes a very sick and messed up person to do this.
If you can dream it, and if you are willing to put forth the work and effort, you can have anything you envision. |
|
|
|
lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 6:05:10 PM
|
Beth, My husband mentioned...they probably won't sue...it takes too much money to sue and they probably won't want to lose their money...(since it sounds like greed to me too) ... it's more than likely just threats...
~~~~
Proud Farmgirl #775
http://maggielousdaughter.blogspot.com
(in construction!)
|
|
|
|
Sarahpauline
True Blue Farmgirl
672 Posts
sarah
Ringgold
GA
USA
672 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 6:05:29 PM
|
You cannot be sued. Slander and Libel by definition involve a mischaracterization of what truly happened. As a rescue they are not allowed any level of privacy. The "management team" needs to be taken care of, obviously they dont know what they are doing or are doing it for the wrong reasons.
Not all those who wander are lost...
www.SarahPauline.com
www.AbraxasBaroque.com |
|
|
|
maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Dec 31 2009 : 6:07:17 PM
|
I bet there just saying that so they don't get reported....
If you can dream it, and if you are willing to put forth the work and effort, you can have anything you envision. |
|
|
|
goneriding
True Blue Farmgirl
1599 Posts
Winona
Central Oregon
USA
1599 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2010 : 12:46:55 PM
|
Not to doubt you, but what is the name of this rescue?? Is it a full-fledged one or one that someone started to take advantage of tax loopholes?? It should have a board to oversee things. If they are doing bad things, then it should be in the news somewhere or on horse boards and I haven't seen a thing, so this is fairly recently??
The reason I say, 'not to doubt you', is that recently, there have been a few postings from people who mean well but it's only one side of the story. The other side turns out to have a reasonable explanation of things.
However, if they are doing as you stated, then you are right to report them. They can't blow smoke at you. If they want to sue, ask them if they can withstand the process of 'DISCOVERY'. You can blow them out of the water with this. Personally, I've diffused a situation with a lady who tried to snow me about suing and I asked her about how she would feed about Discovery...she suddenly 'came to her senses' and problem solved.
If you don't want to post the name of the rescue here, please send to me in a pm. 
For uber-opinionated, pleasurable horse related reading, please visit http://horseinfoperson.blogspot.com/
I have some other blogs in the works...please stay tuned and I'll let you know where to go! :-)
|
|
|
|
goneriding
True Blue Farmgirl
1599 Posts
Winona
Central Oregon
USA
1599 Posts |
|
|
Faransgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
895 Posts
Beth
Houston
Texas
USA
895 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2010 : 5:26:39 PM
|
Winona, they are a very high profile, national rescue. This is a recent problem and although they have been reported to the SPCA they were not investigated. The have a long time relationship with the SPCA so when they got called they (the SPCA) just blew it off. The report had to go to a national organization to get something done. I won't give out the name and yes they do have excuses but if anyone knows anything about horses and rescue then you know the excuses don't hold water. They have up until now been a very successful, caring, awesome rescue. The went in at Katrina, Rita and Ike they have done some really great stuff for the last 12 years. The man who started the rescue is having some health issues and has turned the reins over to someone else. There in lies the problem. It really was an awesome rescue when I first started working there. It really, breaks my heart that it has come to the point that they have just stopped feeding the horses. I know donations are down but some of the things they have done have made matters much worse. Reporting them was one of the hardest things I have ever done. There are horses out there that if I could I would take myself.
Farmgirl Sister 572
May the force of the horse be with you. |
|
|
|
lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2010 : 5:29:29 PM
|
And Moldy hay is just ASKING for trouble in the horses in that alone!! And here I was planning on taking some of their horses eventually. :(
~~~~
Proud Farmgirl #775
http://maggielousdaughter.blogspot.com
(in construction!)
|
|
|
|
1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2010 : 5:51:35 PM
|
Beth, can you get intouch with the original man who started this rescue? If so bring him pictures, and I would bring pictures to the spca also. This is an on going problem all over with horse, dog and cat rescues. Instead of admiting they are in trouble, they try hiding the problems and WHO SUFFERS, the animals. I would try and farm them out before it ever got this bad, put notices in the paper and call the news media, and then, and only then would I take that last drastic step, and humanely euthanize, before they starved or were so run down with injuries and disease, that a bullet was the best thing for them. This has happened here in California with horses and pets, one so-called rescue was just dumping the horses out in the boonedocks and letting them die of starvation and dehydration, it was horrible.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
|
|
|
katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17161 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17161 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2010 : 6:21:18 PM
|
maybe a bit of a "nudge" to the local TV station or newspaper might get some movement on this issue....just becareful to not sound like you are doing this out of spite 'cuz they will run the other way.
After all, the ASPCA & the "Rescue Org" DO NOT want bad publicity...and as we all know, they can "mask" things till the media drives off.
Good Luck on this.
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom.
"I've never met a sewing machine I didn't like!"
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://www.graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
goneriding
True Blue Farmgirl
1599 Posts
Winona
Central Oregon
USA
1599 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2010 : 7:37:17 PM
|
Okay, I see. I've been nosing around and they have covered it up quite nicely. You could always send to Fuglyhorse too.
If it got so bad that I couldn't take care of mine, I'd shoot them before turning them loose to fend for themselves. Sounds mean but a lot of people I know have an emergency plan for their animals. Hopefully, a lot of these 'rescues' will be weeded out and only the true and strong survive.
For uber-opinionated, pleasurable horse related reading, please visit http://horseinfoperson.blogspot.com/
I have some other blogs in the works...please stay tuned and I'll let you know where to go! :-)
|
|
|
|
1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2010 : 8:00:52 PM
|
It amazes me how many people get horses, or anykind of animal, cause they got them cheap or free, and don't have a clue on what it takes to maintain said animal, even without vet bills, then it's , "well i can't afford that", so the animal suffers. We have city people move into our area, and the first thing they want to do is go buy a horse, and 99.9% of the time, they have never been around them, let alone owned and cared for one. As you all well know, even if your horses are on your own property, they are EXPENSIVE!!! So many times I've brought these people over to my place, and walk into a corral and put what on the horse and lead it where? There's horse poop in there, OMG, there's a fly, OH CRAP, the horse moved, its usually pretty funny, but I get my point across, go take lessons from the ground up, and "IF" you can hang with that, just maybe you might be one that could take on the huge responsibilty of ownership, and thats still a big maybe, especially in todays econmomy.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
|
|
|
Faransgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
895 Posts
Beth
Houston
Texas
USA
895 Posts |
Posted - Jan 02 2010 : 12:41:07 PM
|
The problem with this rescue is the guy that started it is still officially in charge but he has turned the decision making over to someone else. I know times are hard but they have just been making decisions that make the rescue more famous but it isn't doing anything for the horses. Their policies as far as adoption and their processes were really great. However, they spent alot of money on a very expensive facility that has not been used. They are still spending money on equipment that is just sitting there. The person making the decisions is not a nice human being and because of her the staff keeps quitting or getting fired if they stand up to her or heaven for bid do what I did and go to the Board of Director's with concerns. That is how I found out the the BOD's was hand picked by her and will do nothing she doesn't say they can. She is in total control and the founder who is still president does what ever she says. I feel like I may be wasting my time, but I can't live with myself if I don't try. Yes horses are very expensive, I have two and a half. Unfortunately there are alot of people that believe they can live on just grass. They don't understand that there has to be a certain amount of grass and not just any grass will do.
I was contacted today be a volunteer that was working out there and she has been trying to get something done as well. She just found out that I was trying to do something. Maybe together we can get something done. There are three of us now making calls and contacting people. Wish us luck.
Thanks for all your input.
Farmgirl Sister 572
May the force of the horse be with you. |
|
|
|
Barnyard Buddies: Horse Rescue |
|
Horse Rescue
