This post is going to start a little strange, but please bear with me while I make my point.
My family and I took a little vacation. So, when I got home I needed some time to recover. (Ask any parent of kids who has spent over 23 hours in the car with their little darlings if they also didn't need a few days of downtime afterward.) Anyway, during my down time I watched the Michael Jackson memorial. It was really moving in parts and the music was good. A fitting tribute to a man who wasn't perfect, but entertained the world for decades. They also talked about all the good work he had done in his life including being recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for supporting the most charities, something I had no idea he had done. During the memorial, they had a screen showing pictures of Jackson as well as notable things he had said.
I soon noticed one particular phrase kept showing up, "There's nothing that can't be done if we raise our voice as one". It was something Jackson said regarding his work to help children worldwide. It struck me that this applies to any movement for change, especially ours for equine welfare. If we all pulled together our various strengths and voices we could move the world. However, sometimes we get caught up in petty disagreements and arguments over things that at the end of the day don't matter. Who the heck cares if one rescue will adopt to people who have barb wire fences? At the end of the day if the home is a good one the fence doesn't matter that much and it is a horse out of danger. Who cares who says what about PZP? At the end of the day the issue is that the wild horses and burros are fast disappearing from our public lands. The big issues are the ones we all agree on. Horses should be treated humanely and we want to protect and preserve our wild horses and burros. That's the important part.
Each of us do our best to do the right thing and every little part helps. Why are we fighting each other so often that we lose sight of the important issues? We don't have to agree on every little thing and we shouldn't. We should strive to make things better, but by disagreeing and petty fighting we aren't focused on the bigger picture; horses being mistreated, the extinction of our wild horses and burros, horse slaughter... Sure, in a perfect world horses would go to homes with horse safe fencing (whatever that is), but the bigger picture is that that the horse has been saved from slaughter or an abusive home. We aren't in a place where we can shoot for perfect, right now we need to solve the bigger problems first. If we can all just try to remember that we are all doing the best we can and accept that then perhaps we can avoid some of the problems. Trust until that trust is broken.
If we look at the new pro-slaughter and anti-wild horse group that came from no where we can see that they are setting aside their differences and working together against the horses. They are much better organized and much better funded than our side is. They claim that they represent horse owners, but they don't really. The AHDF membership is made up of 90% horse owners and 15% of those also run rescue facilities. Our organization, as well as others, represents horse owners as much, if not more, than their organization does. However, they organized and have raised their voices and they are being heard over ours, so we need to be stronger and raise our voices louder. We CAN do it, we just need to unite on our common goals and set aside our differences.
It is one thing to use smaller issues, such as your organization's position on fences, to garner donations or supporters. It is another thing to run down an organization who has a different opinion. The first allows donors and supporters an alternative organization to support, but the second is divisive when we most need to be united. I personally love that there are so many organizations offering alternatives to supporters. It allows the public a chance to support the organization that most closely reflects their own personal position while providing information about the bigger issues. It helps get that information out there. But, there is never a need to run down an organization to prop up another one. We are all trying to do the same thing, help the horses. Every organization can and should distinguish themselves from the others, but not at another's expense. Regardless of your position on the proper type of fences, the goal of all the organizations is to have well adjusted and healthy animals inside of those fences.
If we can finally raise our voices as one we can accomplish all we set out to do. It is time to pull together and speak for the animals who can't speak for themselves. It is time for our voices to become one in the overarching issues we can all agree on. Let's raise them loud enough they can no longer be ignored and make those changes we have all wanted for so long.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
New Horse Shootings and Update on Burro Shooting
Back in February I posted about a number of burros shot in Arizona. In that post I talked about a number of unsolved wild horse and burro shootings that were unsolved or improperly prosecuted. Since then there has not only been no resolution of the horrific case of the burro shootings, but the whole issue seems to have disappeared from the public focus. This means that short of someone coming in and confessing to ease their troubled mind, it is doubtful that it will ever be solved.
However, according to the Billings Gazette there has been another shooting. This time the shooter killed 3 horses at the federal corral in Rock Springs, Wyoming. The shooting occurred some time before employees returned to work on the morning of June 12, 2009. Two of the horses were privately owned and one was a wild horse from a recent gather. This time there are "a number of leads" and it is possible that it will be solved as the majority of horses were privately owned and not those pesky mustangs. The article mentions that in 2001 "more than 30" wild horses were shot in the area and that case has never been solved. That case in unlikely to ever be solved.
It is time that EVERY case of shooting wild horses and/or burros is not only solved, but prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The failure of our government acting on their behalf is due to the public's perceived apathy. It is time that we speak out and let them know that we are NOT apathetic and we care deeply about the well being and safety of OUR wild horses and burros. The BLM has a webform available on their site for the public to make comments about the Wild Horse and Burro Program. Please also ask your Senators and Congressperson to direct the BLM to enforce and ensure the safety of our wild horses and burros on public lands. (While speaking to them please also express your support for the ROAM Act, HR 1018, and ask for their support in passing this bill to further protect our wild horses and burros from extinction.) For more information on how you can help or issues plaguing the program visit the website Save Our Wild Horses, sponsored by the AHDF, or the blog American Herds.
However, according to the Billings Gazette there has been another shooting. This time the shooter killed 3 horses at the federal corral in Rock Springs, Wyoming. The shooting occurred some time before employees returned to work on the morning of June 12, 2009. Two of the horses were privately owned and one was a wild horse from a recent gather. This time there are "a number of leads" and it is possible that it will be solved as the majority of horses were privately owned and not those pesky mustangs. The article mentions that in 2001 "more than 30" wild horses were shot in the area and that case has never been solved. That case in unlikely to ever be solved.
It is time that EVERY case of shooting wild horses and/or burros is not only solved, but prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The failure of our government acting on their behalf is due to the public's perceived apathy. It is time that we speak out and let them know that we are NOT apathetic and we care deeply about the well being and safety of OUR wild horses and burros. The BLM has a webform available on their site for the public to make comments about the Wild Horse and Burro Program. Please also ask your Senators and Congressperson to direct the BLM to enforce and ensure the safety of our wild horses and burros on public lands. (While speaking to them please also express your support for the ROAM Act, HR 1018, and ask for their support in passing this bill to further protect our wild horses and burros from extinction.) For more information on how you can help or issues plaguing the program visit the website Save Our Wild Horses, sponsored by the AHDF, or the blog American Herds.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
What is the AHDF?
There is confusion over what exactly the AHDF is and what we do. Simply put, we are the humane organization for the equine* world. We are NOT an animal rights group. We are a welfare organization. We represent our members and the American public's interests in equine welfare-related legislation and litigation through:
When and where possible fiscally and physically, AHDF supports equine rescues, but we are not a rescue. We wish that we could do more for our equine rescue friends, but our limited funding does not allow us to do all we would like to do. We have numerous projects on the shelf, waiting for their very deserving needs. At this time our efforts are limited to promoting rescues and providing resources for them. Although we have been known to rescue or facilitate the rescue of horses on very special occasion, that is not one of our primary missions. We provide information on the care of horses for the novice owner and others with answers to common questions. We also provide information about our Nation's wild horses and burros....America's horses and burros. We also advocate for proper management and healthy wild herds.
About 95% of our members are equine owners, who are generally aware of the issues facing horses today. Our members are mostly horse owners, who intend to use their animals for responsible breeding, riding, showing and recreational use. Fifty percent of our members are also the owners and/or operators of rescues. Our demographics show that AHDF is uniquely positioned to address the needs of equine with horse's best interests at heart. One could say that the AHDF is the humane horse association. However, we certainly do not restrict our membership to horse owners.
The AHDF actively advocates for the introduction and passage of legislation relating to the humane treatment of horses, including but not limited to prohibition of horse slaughter for human consumption and the preservation of America's wild horses. As many have come to understand over the last several years in the face of our digital communications world, face-to-face interaction and discussions are essential to effective advocacy with legislators and other stake holders. Funding for those expenses have been paid by from the personal resources of the AHDF board members, however despite modest success from our efforts, that has that has proven too costly to continue. Therefore to continue our efforts to advocate in the halls of Congress, the AHDF must begin identifying and access available funding sources to assist with those costs, to the extent allowable by law.
The AHDF has been active in influencing legislative efforts since our founder assisted in the introduction of the first anti-horse slaughter bill. Unlike other groups, our attention is not divided among many species, but is focused 100% on horses, and we do not differentiate among breeds either. That isn't to say that our members, staff and board don't care about other species or have a favorite breed, but that our focus is on all equine and equine alone,. That hopefully makes us more effective through focusing our attention from the issues facing horses, burros and other equine.
Unlike larger organizations and even some rescues, the AHDF does not have a single paid staff member, has no large benefactor or a large pool of regular donors. We are a member driven organization. The AHDF is run and operated 100% by volunteers and we have no intention of ever changing that. Our core of dedicated people have accomplished amazing things through their heroic efforts. All with very limited external resources....they are all truly amazing and dedicated people. We greatly appreciate and admire our the tireless and often under appreciated work of our Nation's equine rescue counterparts. However there are much better positioned organizations in existence to support their efforts and since they are only one component of the humane treatment of horses equation, AHDF must focus its efforts on seeing through the enactment of humane-related legislation to remain true to our charter. Not to begrudge any organizations or their efforts, with a mere quarter of what some national organizations have at their disposal, AHDF could apply substantially greater influence and make a world of difference. Simply put, AHDF suffers from the same issues as our many rescues - a lack of funding. We have posted several blogs on the issue, but funding is CRITICAL for real humane change as those who are opposed to it are more than well-funded, extremely influential and very much opposed to doing the right thing.
For our long term supporters, we appreciate you and apologize for the need to explain what we do. For those new to AHDF, we hope this better explains what we do.
* Note: We use the words equine and horses interchangeably, but our meaning is always all members of the species equid.
- conducting member and public targeted information campaigns
- advocating for the humane treatment of all equine
- supporting the legislative process through research and targeted informational products
When and where possible fiscally and physically, AHDF supports equine rescues, but we are not a rescue. We wish that we could do more for our equine rescue friends, but our limited funding does not allow us to do all we would like to do. We have numerous projects on the shelf, waiting for their very deserving needs. At this time our efforts are limited to promoting rescues and providing resources for them. Although we have been known to rescue or facilitate the rescue of horses on very special occasion, that is not one of our primary missions. We provide information on the care of horses for the novice owner and others with answers to common questions. We also provide information about our Nation's wild horses and burros....America's horses and burros. We also advocate for proper management and healthy wild herds.
About 95% of our members are equine owners, who are generally aware of the issues facing horses today. Our members are mostly horse owners, who intend to use their animals for responsible breeding, riding, showing and recreational use. Fifty percent of our members are also the owners and/or operators of rescues. Our demographics show that AHDF is uniquely positioned to address the needs of equine with horse's best interests at heart. One could say that the AHDF is the humane horse association. However, we certainly do not restrict our membership to horse owners.
The AHDF actively advocates for the introduction and passage of legislation relating to the humane treatment of horses, including but not limited to prohibition of horse slaughter for human consumption and the preservation of America's wild horses. As many have come to understand over the last several years in the face of our digital communications world, face-to-face interaction and discussions are essential to effective advocacy with legislators and other stake holders. Funding for those expenses have been paid by from the personal resources of the AHDF board members, however despite modest success from our efforts, that has that has proven too costly to continue. Therefore to continue our efforts to advocate in the halls of Congress, the AHDF must begin identifying and access available funding sources to assist with those costs, to the extent allowable by law.
The AHDF has been active in influencing legislative efforts since our founder assisted in the introduction of the first anti-horse slaughter bill. Unlike other groups, our attention is not divided among many species, but is focused 100% on horses, and we do not differentiate among breeds either. That isn't to say that our members, staff and board don't care about other species or have a favorite breed, but that our focus is on all equine and equine alone,. That hopefully makes us more effective through focusing our attention from the issues facing horses, burros and other equine.
Unlike larger organizations and even some rescues, the AHDF does not have a single paid staff member, has no large benefactor or a large pool of regular donors. We are a member driven organization. The AHDF is run and operated 100% by volunteers and we have no intention of ever changing that. Our core of dedicated people have accomplished amazing things through their heroic efforts. All with very limited external resources....they are all truly amazing and dedicated people. We greatly appreciate and admire our the tireless and often under appreciated work of our Nation's equine rescue counterparts. However there are much better positioned organizations in existence to support their efforts and since they are only one component of the humane treatment of horses equation, AHDF must focus its efforts on seeing through the enactment of humane-related legislation to remain true to our charter. Not to begrudge any organizations or their efforts, with a mere quarter of what some national organizations have at their disposal, AHDF could apply substantially greater influence and make a world of difference. Simply put, AHDF suffers from the same issues as our many rescues - a lack of funding. We have posted several blogs on the issue, but funding is CRITICAL for real humane change as those who are opposed to it are more than well-funded, extremely influential and very much opposed to doing the right thing.
For our long term supporters, we appreciate you and apologize for the need to explain what we do. For those new to AHDF, we hope this better explains what we do.
* Note: We use the words equine and horses interchangeably, but our meaning is always all members of the species equid.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Why so Quiet?
I am sure some have noticed, or at least I hope they have, that I have been uncharacteristically quiet lately. It isn't that I have quit or took some much needed time off, but just a bout of depression brought on by the treatment of horses. I swear that every day I hear of some new atrocities and at some point it was bound to get to me and it finally did. I have NEVER been depressed like this before and I now have a new empathy and sympathy for those who battle it daily. It really made me question if I was crazy to ever think I could make a difference. It isn't that the depression has lifted, it is there as much today as yesterday, but I have decided I have whined about it enough and it is time to DO something. I got a phone call about an issue that was right up my alley, so I am back in the saddle again (so to speak).
I can say though, that I have noticed a decided lack of activity during my self enforced solitude. Which makes me wonder if I am truly crazy to try and tackle all these issues on my own. I know that we all have our own personal issues that we have to deal with and at any given time any one of us could be preoccupied with those issues. However, it is as though pretty much everyone has given up. I do know that in response to the posts I made before I hit rock bottom was greatly lacking in enthusiasm. It is as if everyone gave up and went home and fogot to tell the rest of us who have been working so hard for so long.
I know we have had some set backs, but we only lose if we quit. It is time to gather our strength and push past our disappointments and regain the momentum we had. It is time for the horses to finally have a victory. Trust me I know how difficult it can be to get there, but if we don't at least try we will never succeed.
I know that my post about a lack of funding I got exactly 1 response. One person who paid her membership dues. While I greatly appreciate that person, she can no more afford to keep AHDF afloat than I can. If we don't get more funding in we will lose our mailbox, our phone, our websites and we will cease to exist. Perhaps the handwriting is on the wall and I should just give up too. Forget about banning slaughter, forget about stopping soring, forget about working to end abuse and neglect, forget about our vanishing wild horses and burros, forget about all the good we have done. Just forget it all and stick my head in the sand and ignore what is going on around me. I certainly cannot do it alone and if people are counting on other organizations, many of whom have already quit in everything but name and fundraising only, they are going to be sadly mistaken. If AHDF goes under we will lose the most active organization in equine welfare, but perhaps nobody cares?
I can say though, that I have noticed a decided lack of activity during my self enforced solitude. Which makes me wonder if I am truly crazy to try and tackle all these issues on my own. I know that we all have our own personal issues that we have to deal with and at any given time any one of us could be preoccupied with those issues. However, it is as though pretty much everyone has given up. I do know that in response to the posts I made before I hit rock bottom was greatly lacking in enthusiasm. It is as if everyone gave up and went home and fogot to tell the rest of us who have been working so hard for so long.
I know we have had some set backs, but we only lose if we quit. It is time to gather our strength and push past our disappointments and regain the momentum we had. It is time for the horses to finally have a victory. Trust me I know how difficult it can be to get there, but if we don't at least try we will never succeed.
I know that my post about a lack of funding I got exactly 1 response. One person who paid her membership dues. While I greatly appreciate that person, she can no more afford to keep AHDF afloat than I can. If we don't get more funding in we will lose our mailbox, our phone, our websites and we will cease to exist. Perhaps the handwriting is on the wall and I should just give up too. Forget about banning slaughter, forget about stopping soring, forget about working to end abuse and neglect, forget about our vanishing wild horses and burros, forget about all the good we have done. Just forget it all and stick my head in the sand and ignore what is going on around me. I certainly cannot do it alone and if people are counting on other organizations, many of whom have already quit in everything but name and fundraising only, they are going to be sadly mistaken. If AHDF goes under we will lose the most active organization in equine welfare, but perhaps nobody cares?
Policies
The blog American Herds, written by one of the smartest women I know and am lucky to call a friend, recently posted an article that asks "Where is the Money?". In her blog she writes about the BLM writing the Policy Handbook which will guide the BLM in their duties and the fact that it won't be open for public comment. There are reasons for this in government, but in this particular case I feel they should allow for comments and I am asking for your help in seeing that we ARE allowed to comment.
First, let's look at why normally these things are not open for public comment. The government could be hampered in its operation by comments and frivolous law suits if they allow public comments on all policies set by various agencies that impact a certain segment of the population (for example the Army only sets policies that impact their service members and possibly their families). Usually policy is determined by the law and it is an internal document to clarify the law for employees or to address specific issues within an agency. An example is that Congress determines that a certain activity shouldn't be paid for with tax payer dollars, such as to pay for inspectors at a horse slaughter plant. The USDA has policy analysts that read the law and determine what exactly that means. As we know, they felt it meant that the plants could pay for their own inspectors. Why they made that determination, I don't know. The intent of Congress was clear during the debate, it was to shutter the nation's horse slaughter plants. However, they argued that other laws conflicted, they REQUIRED an inspector at plants slaughtering for meat that would be exported. I think that was a stretch and that the argument was thin, but if the public had been allowed to comment and our comments had been ignored it would have opened the door to law suits. Unfortunately it was a single policy that impacted a small percentage of the population, so we couldn't ask for them to allow comments at that time.
However, the BLM policy book impacts a number of environmental issues and impacts anyone interested in public lands, including ranchers. So, it should be open to the public. They have acknowledged that by allowing the various Advisory Boards to provide comment. However, this isn't broad enough. That policy handbook should be open to public comments as there are pending changes to a variety of programs (wild horse and burro program, sage grouse, big horn sheep, hunting, grazing...) that impact billions of people. Since the BLM is the most litigated government agency, allowing public comments could even actually lessen the number of law suits. Since it impacts so many they should be allowed to comment if it directly impacts their lives and livelihoods and directly impact the quality of lives of those of us who visit, care about or wish to preserve our national lands and we should be allowed to at least comment on those policies.
Everyone should contact the BLM and the Department of Interior (see below for contact info) and ask that an exemption be made for public comment on the Policy Handbook. Since it is doubtful that they will do the right thing despite public outcry you should also contact your Representative and Senators and ask that they move to allow the public to comment. For this to be effective we are going to need more than a few comments, we are going to need to literally FLOOD them with comments. So, please forward this information to everyone you know and every horse group out there.
E-Mail: feedback@ios.doi.gov
Feedback form: http://www.doi.gov/contact.html
First, let's look at why normally these things are not open for public comment. The government could be hampered in its operation by comments and frivolous law suits if they allow public comments on all policies set by various agencies that impact a certain segment of the population (for example the Army only sets policies that impact their service members and possibly their families). Usually policy is determined by the law and it is an internal document to clarify the law for employees or to address specific issues within an agency. An example is that Congress determines that a certain activity shouldn't be paid for with tax payer dollars, such as to pay for inspectors at a horse slaughter plant. The USDA has policy analysts that read the law and determine what exactly that means. As we know, they felt it meant that the plants could pay for their own inspectors. Why they made that determination, I don't know. The intent of Congress was clear during the debate, it was to shutter the nation's horse slaughter plants. However, they argued that other laws conflicted, they REQUIRED an inspector at plants slaughtering for meat that would be exported. I think that was a stretch and that the argument was thin, but if the public had been allowed to comment and our comments had been ignored it would have opened the door to law suits. Unfortunately it was a single policy that impacted a small percentage of the population, so we couldn't ask for them to allow comments at that time.
However, the BLM policy book impacts a number of environmental issues and impacts anyone interested in public lands, including ranchers. So, it should be open to the public. They have acknowledged that by allowing the various Advisory Boards to provide comment. However, this isn't broad enough. That policy handbook should be open to public comments as there are pending changes to a variety of programs (wild horse and burro program, sage grouse, big horn sheep, hunting, grazing...) that impact billions of people. Since the BLM is the most litigated government agency, allowing public comments could even actually lessen the number of law suits. Since it impacts so many they should be allowed to comment if it directly impacts their lives and livelihoods and directly impact the quality of lives of those of us who visit, care about or wish to preserve our national lands and we should be allowed to at least comment on those policies.
Everyone should contact the BLM and the Department of Interior (see below for contact info) and ask that an exemption be made for public comment on the Policy Handbook. Since it is doubtful that they will do the right thing despite public outcry you should also contact your Representative and Senators and ask that they move to allow the public to comment. For this to be effective we are going to need more than a few comments, we are going to need to literally FLOOD them with comments. So, please forward this information to everyone you know and every horse group out there.
Director: Mike Pool (Acting)
E-mail: Mike_Pool@blm.gov
Deputy Director (Operations): Mike Nedd (Acting)
E-mail: Mike_Nedd@blm.gov
Chief of Staff: Janet Lin
E-mail: janet_lin@blm.gov
BLM Washington Office
1849 C Street NW, Rm. 5665
Washington DC 20240
Phone: 202-208-3801
Fax: 202-208-5242
Mailing Address:
Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, N.W.
Washington DC 20240
E-Mail: feedback@ios.doi.gov
Feedback form: http://www.doi.gov/contact.html
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
3 Stikes You're Out or The Ranch from Hell
Recently there have been a number of equine issues hitting the news. They include a jerk under arrest in California after he called the police telling them that his horse needed to be euthanized after suffering seizures due to an attack by dogs. Turns out that there was no dog attack, but that the man had hit the horse in the head with a hammer several times and then used a chainsaw to cut its head off to feed the horse to his dogs. The next one is that several polo ponies in Florida were found poisoned over the weekend. HSUS has sent a team in to investigate and hopefully the person or persons responsible will be found quickly and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Lastly is the issue that I want to talk about, the issue at the Nebraska ranch called 3 Strikes.
The owner of the ranch has been arrested for felony animal cruelty in the death of "more than 10 but less than 100" horses with more potential charges pending. He has been released on bail at this time. (Please note that while charged, it has not been proven in a court of law and in the US all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty, so all of the information posted here are what is alleged.) The Bureau of Land Management has taken possession of a single BLM titled horse and have confirmed the death of at least 2 horses and 2 burros that are still titled to the BLM. The BLM has also ordered a necropsy (horsie autopsy) of the dead BLM horses to determine their exact cuase of death. However, evidence at the scene doesn't support poisoning but more likely starvation.
However, that is the end of the story. Let's go back to the beginning. I first heard of the 3 Strikes Ranch a little over a year ago. The owner, Jason Meduna, was promoting the ranch as a safe haven for mustangs who can no longer be cared for by their owners and a place for horses placed by BLM on a sale authority under the Burn's Amendment's three striles rule (where if a horse is put up for adoption 3 times, but not adopted could be sold without restriction). After the three strikes rule was put into place there were a number of mustangs that ended up at horse slaughter plants. The equine welfare community was up in arms over that and the BLM temporarily halted the sales while they developed an affidavit for potential owner to sign stating that they do not intend to use the horses for slaughter. Mr Meduna seemed to have stepped up to save the day to provide a sanctuary for these horses.
Some folks actively supported Mr Meduna and even nominated him to the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board. This guy just seemed to many to be Mr Wonderful offering not only a sanctuary for the often mishandled and misplaced wild horses, but a training program to help rehome these wonderful animals. However, at the time some of his statements struck me the wrong way and AHDF didn't support his nomination. It wasn't that I or AHDF knew anything, it was just one of those feelings. Around that time I was told that he had over 300 horses at his ranch, but could handle about 1000.
Later an issue came up that more than 227 horses from a Native American reservation needed to be placed. These horses were genetically special because they had been genetically linked to the original Indian ponies and were very closely related to the original Spanish ponies that were reintroduced in North America. Mr Meduna stepped forward to offer placement for these horses. I didn't keep up with what followed, but I have been told that he took at least some of these horses. I don't know how many or exactly when because once he stepped forward those negotiations went private. That would put the number of horses on his ranch from anywhere close to 400 to over 500. I have also been told that he has taken a number from several rescues. Again, increasing his numbers. Things like that would have made me nervous because too many times we have seen new rescues take in large numbers and not be able to provide the proper care for them. However, it went under the radar for me and probably most people. Until now I don't think that anyone knew the numbers of horses he was taking in because I am sure that it would have rung alarm bells all over the community. I raise the question of the number of horses because I think this story goes deeper than any of us know right now, as bad as now is.
The pro-slaughter folks often use things like this to show why horse slaughter is necessary. However that is a bit disingenuous. This guy wasn't "forced" into a position where he had no outlet for his horses. He went out looking for more and more and offering to take more and more horses. This is more of a hoarder's mentality and hoarders do NOT get rid of their animals. If the rescue community had known about all the collecting we could have stepped in to prevent the situation or at least minimize it. However, we were unaware that it was growing and being fed by various rescues, individuals and Mr Meduna's apparent desire for more and more horses and more and more attention.
When horses began to die at the 3 Strikes Ranch a plausible story was put out that the horses were being poisoned. People rallied around the ranch and Mr Meduna. The story was so believable that people even filed complaints against a very innocent and confused vet. However, this is where the story began to unravel.
When a stallion disappeared Mr Meduna told a supporter that he had been stolen. The police were called and a report was even filed with Net Posse. When the police began investigating they could find no local vets who could verify that they had treated or even been called about any horse poisonings. This tipped them off that something wasn't right at the ranch. After investigating further the horrors became apparent, bodies of unburied horses apparently litter the ground at the ranch. The "stolen" horse has been located, but his condition is not yet being released. Several horse rescue groups have stepped forward, including the Texas based Habitat for Horses and the Colorado based Front Range Equine Rescue. The horses were beginning to be evaluated and treated during Mr Meduna's incarciration. Habitat for Horses (HfH) was forced to hire an airplane to view the whole ranch and determine where all the horses and bodies were located. Front Range is collecting funds to care for the horses, so if anyone would like to donate PLEASE send your donations to them.
Today the news has come out from Jerry Finch of HfH has obtained a release from Mr Meduna for 200 horses and 10 burros. Thankfully it seems that he is willing to do the right thing, but probably more to save himself and a little too late for too many horses. HfH and Front Range are coordianting the placement of these horses, but they are a long way from being able to be moved. Some of the horses are in such poor condition that they can bearly stand. Others have gone down and may not be able to be saved. Local vets have provided a great deal of assitance as have other individuals who previously supported Mr Meduna and these horses finally have a chance to have the lives that Mr Meduna had promised.
I write this not just to ask for help for those helping horses, but to again stress that people should check situations and people out. If that had been done earlier things might not have gotten this bad. Too often we think that others are as kind hearted as we are and they aren't, they are taking advantage of our kindness. We think that because we care and others say they do that they are good people, they aren't always. I hate to think that one has to go through life thinking that others are out there trying to get us, but sometimes we have to protect ourselves. If someone seems to be taking all the horses, or is jumping up first to take in large numbers of hores it is best to at least question it and/or let others know. If an alarm bell rings in your head or you get a bad feeling in your gut you should listen to it. Thankfully this mess is being cleaned up, but too many paid with their lives and at least some of it could have been avoided. It is possible that we may never know what happened to all of the horses or even why or what other secrets may be buried at the "Ranch from Hell" as it is now being called.
The owner of the ranch has been arrested for felony animal cruelty in the death of "more than 10 but less than 100" horses with more potential charges pending. He has been released on bail at this time. (Please note that while charged, it has not been proven in a court of law and in the US all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty, so all of the information posted here are what is alleged.) The Bureau of Land Management has taken possession of a single BLM titled horse and have confirmed the death of at least 2 horses and 2 burros that are still titled to the BLM. The BLM has also ordered a necropsy (horsie autopsy) of the dead BLM horses to determine their exact cuase of death. However, evidence at the scene doesn't support poisoning but more likely starvation.
However, that is the end of the story. Let's go back to the beginning. I first heard of the 3 Strikes Ranch a little over a year ago. The owner, Jason Meduna, was promoting the ranch as a safe haven for mustangs who can no longer be cared for by their owners and a place for horses placed by BLM on a sale authority under the Burn's Amendment's three striles rule (where if a horse is put up for adoption 3 times, but not adopted could be sold without restriction). After the three strikes rule was put into place there were a number of mustangs that ended up at horse slaughter plants. The equine welfare community was up in arms over that and the BLM temporarily halted the sales while they developed an affidavit for potential owner to sign stating that they do not intend to use the horses for slaughter. Mr Meduna seemed to have stepped up to save the day to provide a sanctuary for these horses.
Some folks actively supported Mr Meduna and even nominated him to the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board. This guy just seemed to many to be Mr Wonderful offering not only a sanctuary for the often mishandled and misplaced wild horses, but a training program to help rehome these wonderful animals. However, at the time some of his statements struck me the wrong way and AHDF didn't support his nomination. It wasn't that I or AHDF knew anything, it was just one of those feelings. Around that time I was told that he had over 300 horses at his ranch, but could handle about 1000.
Later an issue came up that more than 227 horses from a Native American reservation needed to be placed. These horses were genetically special because they had been genetically linked to the original Indian ponies and were very closely related to the original Spanish ponies that were reintroduced in North America. Mr Meduna stepped forward to offer placement for these horses. I didn't keep up with what followed, but I have been told that he took at least some of these horses. I don't know how many or exactly when because once he stepped forward those negotiations went private. That would put the number of horses on his ranch from anywhere close to 400 to over 500. I have also been told that he has taken a number from several rescues. Again, increasing his numbers. Things like that would have made me nervous because too many times we have seen new rescues take in large numbers and not be able to provide the proper care for them. However, it went under the radar for me and probably most people. Until now I don't think that anyone knew the numbers of horses he was taking in because I am sure that it would have rung alarm bells all over the community. I raise the question of the number of horses because I think this story goes deeper than any of us know right now, as bad as now is.
The pro-slaughter folks often use things like this to show why horse slaughter is necessary. However that is a bit disingenuous. This guy wasn't "forced" into a position where he had no outlet for his horses. He went out looking for more and more and offering to take more and more horses. This is more of a hoarder's mentality and hoarders do NOT get rid of their animals. If the rescue community had known about all the collecting we could have stepped in to prevent the situation or at least minimize it. However, we were unaware that it was growing and being fed by various rescues, individuals and Mr Meduna's apparent desire for more and more horses and more and more attention.
When horses began to die at the 3 Strikes Ranch a plausible story was put out that the horses were being poisoned. People rallied around the ranch and Mr Meduna. The story was so believable that people even filed complaints against a very innocent and confused vet. However, this is where the story began to unravel.
When a stallion disappeared Mr Meduna told a supporter that he had been stolen. The police were called and a report was even filed with Net Posse. When the police began investigating they could find no local vets who could verify that they had treated or even been called about any horse poisonings. This tipped them off that something wasn't right at the ranch. After investigating further the horrors became apparent, bodies of unburied horses apparently litter the ground at the ranch. The "stolen" horse has been located, but his condition is not yet being released. Several horse rescue groups have stepped forward, including the Texas based Habitat for Horses and the Colorado based Front Range Equine Rescue. The horses were beginning to be evaluated and treated during Mr Meduna's incarciration. Habitat for Horses (HfH) was forced to hire an airplane to view the whole ranch and determine where all the horses and bodies were located. Front Range is collecting funds to care for the horses, so if anyone would like to donate PLEASE send your donations to them.
Today the news has come out from Jerry Finch of HfH has obtained a release from Mr Meduna for 200 horses and 10 burros. Thankfully it seems that he is willing to do the right thing, but probably more to save himself and a little too late for too many horses. HfH and Front Range are coordianting the placement of these horses, but they are a long way from being able to be moved. Some of the horses are in such poor condition that they can bearly stand. Others have gone down and may not be able to be saved. Local vets have provided a great deal of assitance as have other individuals who previously supported Mr Meduna and these horses finally have a chance to have the lives that Mr Meduna had promised.
I write this not just to ask for help for those helping horses, but to again stress that people should check situations and people out. If that had been done earlier things might not have gotten this bad. Too often we think that others are as kind hearted as we are and they aren't, they are taking advantage of our kindness. We think that because we care and others say they do that they are good people, they aren't always. I hate to think that one has to go through life thinking that others are out there trying to get us, but sometimes we have to protect ourselves. If someone seems to be taking all the horses, or is jumping up first to take in large numbers of hores it is best to at least question it and/or let others know. If an alarm bell rings in your head or you get a bad feeling in your gut you should listen to it. Thankfully this mess is being cleaned up, but too many paid with their lives and at least some of it could have been avoided. It is possible that we may never know what happened to all of the horses or even why or what other secrets may be buried at the "Ranch from Hell" as it is now being called.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Warning
Since 2007 Florida horse owners have had a problem. Someone has been stealing their horses and slaughtering them for their meat. The latest one was in Feb when the owner discovered her horse missing. She contacted the police immediately, but even after a search the horse wasn't located. A few days later the horse's body was found nearby, butchered. This is happening at a rate of one horse a week. The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction.
If anyone with a horse lives in Florida, especially near the Miami area, you should increase your vigilance to protect your horses. Net Posse has some great tips to prevent theft, and even AHDF has a few tips on our website. If your horse is stolen please notify the police ASAP. Arrocding to reports not all of the horses slaughtered were reported stolen.
If you live in Florida and someone comes to your door selling meat, do NOT buy it. It is possible that it could be horse meat. Selling or giving away horse meat is illegal in the state of Florida. Besides, those of us who follow the issue can tell you that horse meat is unsafe to consume for a variety of reasons. First, this meat has not been processed in a safe and healthy environment. Second, because horse meat contains many known carcinogens from wormer and other medications. Third, because this meat was obtained illegally and the people who owned the horses didn't consent to their slaughter and most are highly upset about the loss. If you are approached to buy the meat contact the police.
This is the most terrible crime. These people are not only stealing and murdering these animals, but they are taking the safety and security of the families from whom they are stealing. They are taking furry animal members from their families. I know not every one thinks of their pets as family members, but nobody has the right to decide that for anyone else. If one does consider them family members can you imagine how horrified and striken they are to find them dead with their bodies cut up? Nobody should do that to another.
Please be careful out there.
If anyone with a horse lives in Florida, especially near the Miami area, you should increase your vigilance to protect your horses. Net Posse has some great tips to prevent theft, and even AHDF has a few tips on our website. If your horse is stolen please notify the police ASAP. Arrocding to reports not all of the horses slaughtered were reported stolen.
If you live in Florida and someone comes to your door selling meat, do NOT buy it. It is possible that it could be horse meat. Selling or giving away horse meat is illegal in the state of Florida. Besides, those of us who follow the issue can tell you that horse meat is unsafe to consume for a variety of reasons. First, this meat has not been processed in a safe and healthy environment. Second, because horse meat contains many known carcinogens from wormer and other medications. Third, because this meat was obtained illegally and the people who owned the horses didn't consent to their slaughter and most are highly upset about the loss. If you are approached to buy the meat contact the police.
This is the most terrible crime. These people are not only stealing and murdering these animals, but they are taking the safety and security of the families from whom they are stealing. They are taking furry animal members from their families. I know not every one thinks of their pets as family members, but nobody has the right to decide that for anyone else. If one does consider them family members can you imagine how horrified and striken they are to find them dead with their bodies cut up? Nobody should do that to another.
Please be careful out there.
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