Shocked, angry and hurt

[runaway ranch]

I come from a long-line of people who have rescued animals. I have spent litterally thousands of dollars neutoring stray cats and finding them homes. So, it was no surprise that I would do the same with mini's; fact the first minis I had were rescues. My horses are my family and their needs always come first. And, when I see foals that are wild, thin and wormy, I have purchased them, tamed them gotten them healthy and than found them pet homes. In addition, I have my herd of brood mares and my beautiful stud Sligo Eclipse.

So, I was a little more than surprised when an officer showed up at my door and said their were allegations that my horses were neglected and needed vet care. He looked around, laughed and said that obviously wasn't so & left. So, I was amazed the next day when I received a letter from the Humane society saying they had been out twice & found horses with a body condition of 2 of 9. They reccomended I call a vet, and said they would take care of my horses if I couldn't.

I called my vet, his initial reaction was "Does someone have a grudge against you"? I had reported a scrammer ( & he thought they they have reported me. I asked him to come out and see my horses (he had just been out here on a house call a couple weeks ago). Dr. Bengfort said he would write a report on his finding for the sherriff stating that he has observed my horses in very good condition and with access to food and water & that he has been my vet for years.

My vet, (who helps the sherrif investigate potential abuse frequently) personally handled every horse on the place and found them all well cared for. I pointed out to him the two colts that I had picked up to fatten up & tame down most recently and he thought they looked good (I think they are still thin).

What really bothers me is that NO ONE talked to me, I just received what I consider a libelous letter. If I hadn't taken some of these animals, they would have no doubt gone to an auction and been most probalby taken my a meat buyer. I also have 2 old mares, one is the "gramma" to my little ones.

However, even though this has been resolved in my favor, the stress was unbelievable

and I am still very upset that someone would say such a thing about my horses. When I tried to contact the Humane Society, no one would take my call.

The end result will be that I will no longer buy horses at risk or take in older mares. Trying to help these horses has cost me financially, and emotionally.

Has anyone else ever had to deal with something like this?

 

[Lisa-Ruff N Tuff Minis]

It is sort of a catch 22 I understand your hurt and anger however I am sure it is "possible" someone driving by saw a couple of your rescue horses and felt they were thin and then reported you.

When I get in a rescue horse or a new horse that is thinner then I like I call animal control myelf (only done this twice) and told them I have a horse that looks pretty bad it is new, you can call my vet if you like but wanted you to know .. I got a rescue horse that was a 2 (on a good day) on there scale and she looked of course awful so they knew she was here and that way could sort of fend off anyone who felt they might be doing the right thing by reporting it.

 

[Devon]

Im sorry.. I think you have a personality like mine.. And I to would feel upset osmeone would even call me in.

: I'm sorry you had to go throught he stress.

:

 

[FoRebel]

Oh Lisa! :no: I don't know how anyone could say that your horses aren't cared for! I also don't know how anyone could see them from the road because you are set so far back. I know personally how well your horses are cared for since we have purchased 4 from you and they have been FAT but not obese. :xkngt: :new_2gunsfiring_v1: :ugh: :no: Hugs hun! Hang in there!

 

[eagles ring farm]

What a world :no:

Figures it would be the hero trying to help the ones that need help that gets the grief!

So sorry this happened to you

Lori

 

[Warpony]

I'm sorry you went through this...

I went through something similar with my very first rescue... the pony who turned out to be the horse of my heart and who I just had to say goodbye to last november. He was severely foundered when I bought him and even though I called animal control to let them know I was rescuing a sick horse I still got called on and they still came out and treated me like i was the bad guy.

It scared the living daylights out of me.

I think the people who called on me were sincere and really thought they were doing good, which made it a little easier to deal with. But that didn;t stop me from feeling angry and hurt and afraid.

I didn;t let that stop me from helping animals though. I've not rescued any more horses/ponys (yet) but I've had gads and gads of cats and a good number of dogs that i rescued as well and i am always afraid someone will see one of them when they are still looking bad and call on me. That is why I make sure to work with a vet who will back me up, and I keep really good records for each animal.

 

[MountainViewMiniatures]

I too had the State come out to my place but it was from a woman (He told me who even though I guessed) who I refused to sell a horse too - it was an AQHA yearling and I did not believe she had enough experience to handle a young horse- I am very careful about selling my horses to fit the level of expertise of horse to owner especially the youngsters - I was very nice to her but she she was livid-turns out she makes a practice of doing this. So I know exactly how you feel - I too had my Vet come out and do a health inspection on every horse - cost me several hundred dollars and the State Officer said I didn't need it as there was no problems but I felt better doing it and still have those health certificates. It is not fair there is no protection or reprecussions on someone who does that to you - definately felt hurt and angry for a long long time

 

[tagalong]

So sorry that you had to go through all that...

At the farm I worked at before this one - they bred Arabians as well as minis...

A couple of the Arabian mares lived about a mile from the actual farm in a huge field that had the valley's only highway on one side - and houses that faced it and backed onto a golf course on the other side. The north end of the field had a free running creek and a small woods - lots of shelter for the horses - who lived there year-round. In the winter I used to get them a round bale - until the elk figured out that it was a wonderful buffet. A herd of elk would jump the fence and move in overnight... and the mares could only watch as their new bale was leveled by morning. Well, that was not the solution - so every day I brought hay to them... and from the hay on the snow and their hoofprints it should have been obvious to anyone that they were being fed. Or so one would think. I also took an axe to the crrek and chopped a clear spot for them to drink - until it became obvious (lack of hoofprints) that they were not bothering to use the creek anymore. Then I would haul warmed water along with the hay. They only touched the water occasionally and it would freeze solid. Anyone who paid attention to the bucket-shaped ice cubes that accummulated inside the gate would have realized that. And noted that buckets came and went. Not to mention that the fat, fuzzy mares who galloped about with tails flagging and lots of energy did not appear to be suffering in any way.

None of that mattered to the "experts".

In that same field was an old wooden mineral/salt feeder - left over from the herefords who used to live there. In the many years that feeder had been exposed to the weather... horses had chewed at it absentmindedly, used it for a scratching post... and generally considered it a piece of the furniture. The paint had long since disappeared.... one day I noticed that a few nails were starting to come loose and stick out... and amused the mares one frosty afternoon by breaking it apart and taking it away.

Imagine my amazement one afternoon a few days later when an SPCA officer showed up at the barn to investigate a complain of "brown horses starving in the field". I drove down to the field with the officer - where we were met at the gate by the two snorting, plump, happy mares - their thick winter coats shining in the sun - who proceeded to demonstrate how weak they were from lack of food by galloping and bucking in excited circles. The officer agreed that they were anything but starving. He took their pictures - which they went into Arabian halter mode for - arched necks, raised tails, exaggerated poses - and much snorting and foolishness.

He took pictures of the leftovers of their breakfast... of the buckets... of the tracks in the snow that showed that someone (ME!) had been there repeatedly and carved out a well-trodden path.

Then he explained that they had received complaints from one of the houses that faced the field (and I instantly knew who it was!). The two women who complained had been upset that the horses were starving. That no one came to feed them... of course they were never out of their warm beds at 8 AM.... were out having lunch at 1.... and having happy hour at 6 - when I was at the field. They had stated that no one was seen caring for the "skinny" creatures - until a couple of days previously when the "girl" who was supposed to look after them had taken away the poor things' only source of nourishment - that ramshackle feeder that these women insisted the horses were forced to chew on to stay alive.

The two glossy mares had become bored with us... and had drifted off into the trees in search of grouse to chase and torment... I bet those women thought the mares were hunting grouse to eat them...

The officer agreed that there was no problem here - just (his words) "busybodies who think they know everything"....

And yet word soon got out that I was investigated for cruelty... those two women made sure of that. My boss was furious - and had a knockdown drag-out row with them at a charity function.

These women did not own so much as a hamster - and yet felt quailfied to decide that two healthy, happy mares were being starved. And saw fit to spread tales of the "in depth investigation" up and down the valley.

It hurt. Badly. Right up until the day I left there, those women treated me as if I had the plague...

Because they "knew". They knew NOTHING.

The idea that anyone would think I was even capable of that still haunts me.... so yes - I can understand some of what you may be feeling...

 

[Robin1]

Don't feel bad, I had a livestock officer show up with a horse trailer to remove my starving horses. :new_shocked: This was years ago when I had full size horses.

Yes, one was thin (he did this every winter) and the other was a butterball.

: The officer figured I wouldn't feed one and not the other, also knew my vet so left with an empty trailer.

I don't compare this to two different friends (yep I said 2) that had CPS called on them because of someone wanting to start trouble for them. :no:

Robin

 

[rabbitsfizz]

Been there, done that, got the T-shirt- I think anyone in horses has had it happen- let it go.

And as soon as you can, I mean it, just let it go.

I have/have had the RSPCA on my doorstep so many times I have told them they will need a search warrant, if they want to come in again, a police officer and a very good lawyer as I WILL sue for slander!!!

They do not call anymore.

There is another, more sinister agenda, here.

The RSPCA and I shall assume some of your regional, and certainly any National, Humane Societies REALLY do not like people being able to do the job they miserably fail at.

The RSPCA will not even attempt to re-home feral kittens, they euthanize.

I take them in by the barrel load and I socialise them and I have NO problem finding them homes with people who have been turned down by the RSPCA- Yes, they turn away really good homes that stand my scrutiny, and would rather euthanize the animals- you see, if YOU can do their job, how are they going to blackmail people into giving them donations??

The RSPCA have over $140,000,000.00 in the bank.

I am assuming that quite a few of your societies also have these funds.

They use them to bully people like us, and to run expensive campaigns begging for money to save the poor starving animals!!!

This is NOT paranoia, believe me, be warned.

There probably was a complaint but now they have their foot in the door run this by a lawyer and be sure of ALL your rights.

As to the original complainant- probably someone who was jealous or had nothing to do.

 

[Jill]

I am so sorry this happened to you!

My first thought was just what Lisa said, and maybe someone observed a horse you had rescued and were rehabilitating?

Again, I'm really sorry this happened and can only imagine the emotional stress :no:

 

[qtrrae]

Lisa has been so hurt by all of this.

I don't know who could possibly have reported her - whether it was her neighbor, someone driving by or whoever but it was obviously someone who did not bother or have the guts to talk with her first.

I think it is just terrible that someone would do this to her without knowing all the facts.

I do know that "if" she hadn't taken these horses (little Frodo and Charm) they would certainly not have made the winter.

Lisa tries very hard to do what is right - her animals are never mistreated and they have their feet trimmed regularly, she is adamant about deworming them and about giving them all the necessary shots and she never hesitates to call the vet if one of them is sick. I have seen her take some of these scared, wild colts and do wonders with them learning to trust people. They feel safe with her and know they are loved.

It is a sad situation for Lisa with a lot of unnecessary stress.

I know that she will not take in any more rescue horses - she had just told me that someone wanted her to take 2 - '06 babies that were wild, long feet, never dewormed and just pathetic looking. Now because of this situation she is not going to take them and they are being sent to an auction where some idiot will buy them for meat.

I really feel bad for her, she does certainly not deserve something like this and I know if she ever finds out who the busy body is that turned her in she will tell them what she thinks.

rabbitsfizz, you are so right and I quote you - ("And as soon as you can, I mean it, just let it go" As to the original complainant- probably someone who was jealous or had nothing to do")

 

[Margaret]

I once took in a couple of rescue mini's, because their owners were getting a divorce, and could not care for them anymore .They were fuzzy when I got them, but I could also tell that they also were highly malnourished..

It was very hot at that time of year, so one of my first moves with them was to shave them down, so they could also be comfortable. One of them was so thin that he had the body of a greyhound.. The other was just ribby looking and wormy seeming.

After watching animal planet, and seeing a "whole group" of animals taken based on the condition of only a few, I did not want to take any chances on drawing the wrong attention...

I knew that some "well meaning citizen" would probably turn me in, if they saw these horses condition, so I kept them in my dry-lot,- that is mosly secluded in the back area of my property, til I could get them back where they needed to be weight wise.

Its really a shame when you reach out to help an animal, and some one draws the conclusion that you caused the condition, thinking they are doing their community a favor, and turns you in. :no:

 

[Warpony]

well, as angry and hurt as i was, I was glad someone out there had the courage to call when they saw a sick animal... even if they were completely wrong and caused me a lot of heart ache. If a pony was being abused or neglected I would want someone to call. So many times animals starve to death because everyone is afraid to call and report it.

That is why if I take in a really awful looking critter i call animal control and let them know what is going on. That is why I keep the vet records. I'd rather have people call animal control when they see a sick, abused, neglected animal then just ignore it... but I'm going to protect myself as much as possible. I can't rescue right now for financial reasons but I refuse to let something like this stop me from rescuing when I have the finances to do so. I won't let the animals suffer because of the actions of some other person. That is the shame here... that a caring loving animal rescuer has been scared away from doing good by this, and the animals are going to suffer.

 

[keely2682]

i, too, have taken in rescue horses.

i have always feared someone turning me in for starving them.

here are some ways to protect yourself (and your existing horses)-

make sure that you have a bill of sale for the new critters with the date aquired

take photos and have notarized witness statements concerning the new horses condition on that date

have the vet out and document the condition of the animals on the aquisition date

call the animal enforcement and notify them that you rescue animals

keep good records of the amount fed to the horses daily and their condition

blanket the horses to hide their condition (winter blankets are best but even a fly sheet helps)

keep the rescue inside the barn or at the rear of the property

if anyone apprears to "investigate" hand them your documentation (you already have it on hand and ready)

or as a preemptive -send copies of your documentation to the animal law enforcent groups and humane society

:no: its sad that you should have to expend this extra effort, but

don't let the problem stop you from rescueing horses

just be sure to take steps to protect yourself and your animals

:

 

[Triggy&Blue&Daisy Too]

I am sorry you had to deal with this as well. With rescue work it goes with the territory and I can't think of a single group locally that hasn't had animal control called if they didn't contact them first and let them know what they were doing first or had an especially bad case. We document everything and create a "story" book for them with pictures upon arrival for possible prosecution of the previous owner later, vet records, foot care records and any documentation that comes with them regardless if they look OK or not.

While I do not always agree with the rescue's methodology and level of care where I am but I have to give them credit for keeping a thorough account of each horse. Animal control must follow up on each complaint no matter what so as Warpony said it is better than not for the horses especially ones that may be neglected and not likely to get any care. It just all depends on how you look at it but I hope you will continue regardless. There are too few people who do care.

 

[hrselvr728]

I've had to deal with animal control twice too, but luckily we were able to work it out. Everybody who lives around me loves Maverick and we frequently have kids and neighbors come by to see him. I also take him out around the neighborhood to socialize and teach people about him and nobody has a problem with him except for one set of neighbors who don't seem to know anything and have nothing better to do than to complain about me. That and they stay in their house all day anyway so of course they are experts . What was really stupid was that the first time the ASPCA was called out, it was about 6 months after my horse had been there, and he was anything but skinny (my vet can corroborate that). The complaint wasn't even about the condition of the horse, the treatment of the horse, or anything like that, it was a complaint that someone obviously made up just so animal control would come out and hopefully take him away (which they didn't because they could see I was taking good care of him and being a responsible owner). The neighbors didn't leave their name on the complaint but they are the only ones I could see calling. I was really stressed for a while because we had three sets of people come out from animal control and treat us like criminals before I actually got to talk to the head sheriff and his deputy who were decent men and willing to listen. Luckily too, I live in a neighborhood that would back me up if any other complaints came around because they know I'm a good person and take good care of my animals.

 

[Gena]

What a stressful experience! I am sorry you had to deal with this. We have friends in Michigan that have bred for 20 years that have had this happen to them too, twice. And both times they were "reported" and then investigated if they were found to be guilty of anything was some of their horses were a little "fat", certainly not starving. They never knew who reported them and sure didn't know why. They have opened their home to children and schools over the years, everyone knows and respects them for how well they do take care of their horses. You hope its someone reporting because of their lack of knowledge rather than doing it to be mean. I hope you will still consider doing some rescues, I like the suggestions of holding on to receipts of when you aquire ownership and maybe letting them know when you bring one in since this has happened. Bless your heart for what you are doing to help miniatures that are not wanted or truly being neglected

:

 

[Marty]

I am so sorry this happened to you of all people, it really jerks my chain

Since I'm not a doormat anymore, no more Mrs. Nice Guy, I have little to no patience for this stuff

I'd punch someone out :ugh: :ugh: :ugh: :new_2gunsfiring_v1: :new_2gunsfiring_v1: :new_2gunsfiring_v1:

 

[Doobie]

Call me crazy but if they came to my door I would both welcome them and thank them.

I have nothing to hide, I take care of my animals.

Our older QH mare (now 30) is quite thin in the winter and to be honest if she were in someone else's field I would take a second/third look.

To know they care and are doing there job is great ! its better than the hundreads that drive by and say nothing !!!!

I dont know if it is different in the UK and USA but here in Canada as an SPCA officer they MUST visit every place that has a call or complaint. (and they dont have millions sitting in bank accounts)

This of course is JMO.