if you need proof, watch this video

Here is another example of how law enforcement in other parts of our country are joining horse rescue groups in our feelings about horse neglect. This one is from Texas. Once again, they go in and remove the animals and very quickly charge someone with inhumane treatment. No messing around trying to figure out if it's really neglect or not. Of course it is! There is a video at this link (below) that is very graphic. If you have not watched vidoes like this before, you might want to think about it before you decide. The images stay with you forever. And they are not pretty or happy images. The media groups who are brave enough to show this stuff are high on my list of "good guys." For so long these secrets of the horse industry have been silent and invisible. But now the silence has been broken. The images are real. And it's only when we know the truth that we become motivated to voice our own opinions and take action to join in the mission to make things right. If you watch this video, you will be able to see that most of the horses going to slaughter here are very healthy looking horses. They are not old, blind, lame, skinny horses. There is no need for horse slaughter in our country. There is, however, a strong need for more responsible horse owners and especially more responsible horse breeders. When they breed so many horses that they don't have time to get them trained and so they just send them to slaughter instead of training them, well, it's time for them to quit breeding. To them, it's just like taking their garbage to the dump. To us, it's like getting paid to allow someone to brutally murder our friends.
When you go to this link, you will be able to read the story first. It won't start the video unless you click on it. If you are new to all the fuss about what's wrong within the horse industry these days, this video will open your eyes. In a wide way.
http://www.khou.com/news/Horse-neglect-cases-spike-78268742.html


If you have questions or comments, you may email Shelter Manager Darci at doublehphorses@alliancecom.net

National Welfare Code of Practice

This is a good thing. If they practice what they preach. I believe this all just came about this month. It addresses what DoubleHP and groups like us have been talking about for years. Of course we will let these big guys take the credit for it. Even though it has taken them many many many many many years to climb on board. I know a lot of this has to do with the show industry. But it also has to do with trail riding and just plain horse ownership. You know, how we take care of our horses at home. My very favorite part is this: "WE ARE COMMITTED to promoting responsible breeding practices and to produce better horses, not just more horses." Can you imagine how good this could be, if orgs. like AQHA, APHA, etc., really believe in this? Then, if all the wanna bee cowboys would just follow along, we would begin to see fewer and fewer cheap, untrained, neglected, and unwanted horses. All of those things go together, by the way. I mean cheap, untrained, neglected, and unwanted. They all have to do with each other. And they all have to do with irresponsible breeding. Over production. Mass production of a product that no one is buying.

I'll highlight my favorite parts. I took this off of the American Horse Council website, but I learned about it from the HSUS. ok, here it is.

National Welfare Code of Practice Endorsed


A national Welfare Code of Practice has been endorsed by the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the American Quarter Horse Association, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the U.S. Equestrian Federation and the U.S. Trotting Association. The Welfare Code of Practice, drafted by the American Horse Council, outlines in generic terms what it means for an organization to be committed to the responsible breeding, training, care, use, enjoyment, transport and retirement of horses.

“We hope that as many organizations as possible will endorse it to show that the industry as a whole is committed to the welfare and safety of the horse,” said AHC President Jay Hickey. “We know that the safety and welfare of our horses is very important to us. We hope that this code will be another indication to others that the horse community takes its responsibilities to our horses very seriously.”

...  it is hoped that the endorsement of a broad, more generic Welfare Code of Practice by as many organizations as possible will be another indication to the public, the media, federal and state officials and the horse community that the horse industry “Puts the Horse First.”

“We fully support the AHC Welfare Code of Practice and encourage everyone associated with the horse to abide by its principles,” said Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. “It is important that the horse industry as a whole, regardless of breed or discipline, affirms its individual and collective commitment to horse welfare and safety. It is equally important that the industry communicate with one voice on this important issue and the AHC is the right vehicle for doing so.”

“This Code of Practice stands to unite the equestrian community in it’s commitment to protect, honor, and ensure the safety and well-being of the horse which is the core of our sport,” noted John Long, CEO, United States Equestrian Federation, the National Governing Body of Equestrian Sport.

The AHC Welfare Code of Practice will also provide a guide for equine organizations that are formalizing a welfare philosophy and policy for their respective organizations. “The American Horse Council Welfare Code of Practice provides a standard for the horse industry and equine organizations to evaluate their individual welfare policies and initiatives. It clearly states the principles necessary to achieve a level of stewardship for the horse that always puts the welfare of the horse first,” said Dr. Jerry Black, past-President of the AAEP and Chair of the AHC’s Animal Welfare Committee.

"I would strongly encourage all equine-related organizations to join us in signing the code of practice demonstrating their commitment to continuously ensuring the safety and welfare of our horses,” said Don Treadway, Executive Vice President, American Quarter Horse Association. “By agreeing to a code of practice, we send a clear message to the public that we are committed to ensuring our horses are treated with compassion, dignity and respect.”

“We hope that as the Code is reviewed more organizations will endorse it. Our goal is to have as many associations as possible sign on,” said Hickey.

The AHC Welfare Code of Practice follows.
Welfare Code of Practice
American Horse Council
Introduction
American society has grown away from its agrarian roots of only a few generations ago. The horse, which was once a staple of American agriculture and general transportation, is now used primarily for breeding, competition, sport, recreation and entertainment, although there are still many horses used for work on farms and ranches, and in urban areas and exhibitions.

The horse industry is committed to the safety, health, care and welfare of all horses and to always “Put the Horse First.”

We address equine welfare and responsible care (1) by supporting a uniform Code of Practice regarding the responsible breeding, training, competing, care, use, enjoyment, health, transportation, and retirement of horses; and (2) by initiating communication with the public, the media, federal and state officials and within the horse community regarding these issues.

Our Commitment to all Horses and the Horse Industry
The organizations listed below are committed to the principle that the welfare and safety of the horse is the guiding principle in the decision-making process for all owners, service providers, organizations, events and activities.

WE ARE COMMITTED to the dignity, humane care, health, safety and welfare of horses in all our activities and care. These are our highest priorities. We are the stewards of our horses and must be firm in the standards and practices that guide us. Our first principle is:

The welfare, safety and stewardship of the horse is the guiding principle in the decision-making process for all segments for the horse industry.

WE ARE COMMITTED to promoting responsible breeding practices and to produce better horses, not just more horses.

WE ARE COMMITTED to responsible training techniques. All training should be done with the maturation and ability of the horse considered. Horses should be prepared for competition with proper training and conditioning methods. Excessive disciplining methods, whether in stables, training areas, or during competition, will not be tolerated.

WE ARE COMMITTED to educating owners, trainers, veterinarians, competitors, exhibitors and recreational riders to ensure that they know and respect their horse’s abilities and limits, and their own, so as to not push the horse or themselves beyond their ability level.

WE ARE COMMITTED to making all competitions fair and ensuring all competitors an equal opportunity to succeed. Performance-enhancing drugs, practices or equipment have no place in competitions or exhibitions. Effective drug testing by accredited laboratories is essential to the safety and welfare of our horses and the public support of competitions, with appropriate penalties levied for violations. The welfare of the horse must take precedence over the demands or expectations of owners, breeders, trainers, sellers, buyers, organizers, sponsors, officials, or spectators.

WE ARE COMMITTED to the welfare of the horse as paramount during competition. The horse industry should invest in the infrastructure, environment and facilities to provide a safe environment for all horses in all activities, whether breeding, competing, or simply riding. Any facilities that house horses should be committed to the appropriate care and treatment of all horses while in their facility, and should be designed with the environment and the intended use of the horse in mind.

WE ARE COMMITTED to minimizing injuries to horses during training, competition, use, or work. Whenever possible injury data should be collected, documented and reported to the governing body of the competition or any other injury database for analysis in order to ensure a safer environment.

WE ARE COMMITTED to the continual review, evaluation and improvement of all rules, regulations, policies and practices in all equine activities, based on science (where indicated). When warranted, they should be refined or changed. This includes existing practices to ensure they are not being perceived as acceptable, particularly if new research has called them into question.

WE ARE COMMITTED to providing continuing education on all activities involving horses and eliminate inhumane practices as well as strengthening sanctions for non-compliance.

WE ARE COMMITTED to educating all people who own or work with horses to ensure they are knowledgeable in the proper husbandry, care, and handling of horses. Each horse should be observed frequently to ensure that they are healthy. In consultation with a veterinarian, all such individuals should develop a sound health care program, appropriate to the facilities, environment and needs of the horses.

WE ARE COMMITTED to providing an environment in which anyone aware of equine cruelty or neglect is willing to report it to the proper local, state or federal authorities. Should an incident occur at an event it should be reported to judges, stewards, responsible authorities or the sanctioning organization.

WE ARE COMMITTED to improving the health and welfare of horses through scientific research, collaboration, advocacy and the development of appropriate rules. The industry should continue to support and work with the many individuals, universities, veterinarians and foundations doing and funding equine health and welfare research in order to reduce injuries and improve health.

WE ARE COMMITTED to horse owners and caretakers ensuring horses in their care are current on vaccinations and following best practices to minimize infection and disease. When a disease outbreak occurs horse owners and events must act quickly and responsibly, monitor the horses, report the outbreak to, and cooperate with, veterinarians, authorities, facility management and all stakeholders to bring a rapid resolution to the outbreak.

WE ARE COMMITTED to ensuring that our horses will have an opportunity to transition to additional careers, uses or activities as the need arises. When necessary, owners and veterinarians may have to consider end-of-life decisions. The welfare, safety and dignity of the horse must continue to be the guiding principle in deciding how and when to provide a humane death.

WE ARE COMMITTED to being transparent about our activities in order to ensure the public, the media, federal, state and local officials and the various segments of the horse community understand what we do, why we do it, and support it.

Goal: to end a cycle of neglect

there is an update to the story about the 80 horses rescued in Tennessee.
All of the horses already have been signed over to the HSUS, and this rescue just happened a couple of days ago! Upon Vet approval, the horses will be adopted by responsible horse owners. I do not know the status of arrests, charges, all of that. But I do so hope that whatever else happens, these irresponsible horse owners are not allowed to own animals for a long long time if ever again. And that they will not be allowed to breed animals either. That, to me, is the final step. Ending the cycle of neglect for that group of horses, for that location, for those neglectful owners, forever. Without that, the mission is not completed. I realize that every situation is different. But this should be the goal every time. The unified goal. The goal of the Sheriff, the States Attorney, the State Vet. office, the neighbors, the community, and any animal welfare groups involved. And actually, this should be the goal of the Horse Industry as a whole too. What good can these irresponsible horse owners possibly do for the industry?

For me, the arrests, charges, convictions, sentences, fines, all of that can vary. And personally I do not care about all of that as much as I care about what will happen to the horses and making sure that these people do not repeat their crime of inhumane treatment to animals. And then they do need to be held accountable. They need to somehow come up with some money to help with the rescue and emergency care expenses.  Their names have already been made public. So now they can live with this embarrassment, shame, and disgrace too. And try to pull themselves up out of it. If they have children, their children will have to deal with this publicity too. And that is sad. But if we want to move toward fixing this social problem, and that is exactly what it is, these are the things that must happen. This accomplishes several things. It sends a message out to other irresponsible horse owners. That they need to clean up their act or the same thing will happen to them. People are not so afraid to report these cases anymore. And they will get reported, eventually. It also helps to decrease, not increase, the numbers of horses born through irresponsible breeding practices which leads to more neglected and more unwanted horses. What it really does is this: It makes things better, not worse. It is a step toward progress, compassion, kindness, education, responsibility. Instead of a step backwards toward further cruelty, stupidity, failure, and crime. Let them get away with it, the situation will get worse and our Counties will find themselves having to deal with it more and more and more. instead of less and less and less. Deal with it now, without hesitation, without last-second sympathy for the offender, deal with it now as though it were a crime of significance. Because it is. Inhumane treatment to animals is directly and almost always related to violence against humans. Inhumane treatment to animals should be reason enough to act. But add in the relationship to violence against humans, and it becomes even more serious. Or it should anyway.  Ending a cycle of inhumane treatment to animals is progress no matter how many animals are involved, one or one hundred. Ending a cycle of inhumane treatment to animals is huge! It will make the next one easier. And the one after that even easier. And on and on. And soon we will see the number of cases decreasing instead of increasing. I really believe this to be true. The laws are in place. And if we can work toward that unified goal of Ending a cycle of neglect, we will start to see a difference. We will start to see things get better, not worse.

I realize that as we go along, Society sometimes decides that certain things really aren't so bad anymore Society thinks these things should be more acceptable and "less illegal." Sometimes that's because so many people are doing it anyway, or because it's just the easiest way to deal with it. Make it legal so we don't have to deal with all the arrests. But starving an animal. Fencing it in with no food, no water, no shelter, must never become acceptable. Think of what acceptances would soon follow.
I just keep going back to the question: would we like to make things better or worse? And to make things better, we have to make certain things unacceptable. And inhumane treatment to animals is one of those things that should remain unacceptable. Or we will all lose the emotions, the compassion, the respect for ourselves and for the earth that we live on, we will lose all of the things that make us human and hold us together. 
If you have comments or questions, please email Shelter Manager Darci at doublehphorses@alliancecom.net

Toward Greener Pastures for 80 Starving Horses - Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation

Here is a new post from the HSUS. The Humane Society of the United States. USE THE LINK BELOW. The link will take you to the story and a video. Notice they did not hesitate, and all entities were in agreement, that they must remove ALL not some of the animals on this property.

The horses in this story look and act like the horses we rescue.  I can honestly say that in all of our rescues, only once did we have trailer loading issues. And we had prepared for that because we expected it with that particular group of horses. So we made sure we had some extremely experienced horse handlers and trainers with us on that rescue. But otherwise, we have never had trouble loading them. In most cases, the horses we rescue have had very little human contact in the months leading up to their rescue. Just standing out there starving. So, they are usually extremely happy to see us arrive with our trailers. and then when we get them to where we can give them hay and water, they quickly become our friends. Afterall, we are the ones who brought them to the food.
Bless Your Food on this Thanksgiving Day. And Bless the Animal Rescuers for the work they do. Sometimes they have to do it on Holidays, on weekends, after 5 p.m.. And many of them are Volunteers.

and the next time you hear someone around here say something negative about the mission of the HSUS, please set them straight. all you need to do is go to their website hsus.org and read their stories, watch their rescue and undercover videos. One of the hardest ones to watch is the one about the baby veal calves. And it doesn't have anything to do with eating beef, with eating baby beef, with farming, or about producing food. It only has to do with cruelty to animals. The way they are treated. The way they are piled up on top of each other. both the living ad the dead. The way they are splashed with water so the electric prod might be able to get them up on their tiny little feet, even though they are too weak to stand. The way the workers laugh at them, at their weak and wobbly condition, yelling at them to get up cuz "there aint nothin' wrong with you." Like I said, it has nothing to do with the production of food or farming. Only about cruelty.

here's the link to the new HSUS video. The rescue of 80 starving horses in Tennessee.


Toward Greener Pastures for 80 Starving Horses - Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation

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Yes it is our business

There is quite a bit of rambling in this post. sorry. but I wrote it in several different sessions and even different days and finally just got tired of rambling and pushed the "publish post" button so here you go.

There have been many dogs and horses rescued around here lately. And a lot of it is making the news too! I am so glad the horses around here are finally getting some respect and help. This is what needs to happen. People have to keep reporting these things when they are unlucky enough to see them, so that other people, those with the authority to act, can then do what they do.
I know for an absolute fact that this is working.
Lately I have been called to assist a Humane Officer with horses in a couple of different situations. The latest was a report of a horse who could barely walk. The report was called in to me, and I always have to explain that I don't have any legal authority but then I always give them the name and number of the right person to call. and I always check to make sure they did call. Well this person did call, right away! And I am so proud of her for following through right away. Then, the person with authority to act, called me and asked me to help. That is exactly how it is supposed to work! The horse owner said he had seen on the internet news all the animals being taken away from people. And there is now a Vet appt. scheduled for the reported lame horse, so its suffering will end, one way or another.
So, it's working. People know that if they don't take care of their horses, there is a good chance they will make the news about it and end up on the wrong side of a legal situation. People know that if they have a sick or injured horse, they need to take it to an equine Vet, or they have a good chance of making the news for it. Not because of the injury, we all know that horses get injured. But because of not dealing with the injury in a humane way. If we own animals, any animals, cows, dogs, cats, horses, we need to expect there will be some Vet needs and Vet bills along the way. And if we don't want to deal with the Vet stuff, then we shouldn't deal with the animals at all. I mean we shouldn't own animals if we aren't going to assume and accept that Vet bills go along with that ownership.
And people also know that if they have too many horses they need to find new homes for them -- before they reach the point of emaciation. And quit breeding so many of them too!
That is why you are not seeing the super skinny horses at the salebarns anymore. Well, that and because the salebarns are telling those people "no."
Because, of course, neglect is neglect. And a person who drops off an emaciated or seriously injured horse at a salebarn should be questioned just as a person anywhere else should be questioned. It used to be that, well, at certain little delapidated salebarns, the owners thought "if I can just make it to the salebarn I won't get in trouble." But this "safe haven" for neglectful horse owners is disappearing too. Which needs to happen.
Horse owners need to not have all of the little excuses and reasons and convenient dumpsites for their unwanted horses. They need to be forced to be responsible horse owners. We have all had plenty of time to become this on our own, just because it's right and because we believe in humane treatment, well, and because a lot of us really do love our horses and we don't want them to be suffering. But others need to be forced to do this. Because they have no heart, they have no compassion.

The person who reported the seriously lame horse told me that she hesitated with her reporting. Many people do. Because, even though they know in their hearts and minds that it is the right thing to do; all of the people telling them "it's none of our business, it's not our horse," makes them think twice.  But you know what? It is our business! I told the caller, "you did right, it is our business, anytime we see a living thing suffering, it is our business." I am so proud of this caller for doing what she did. And I am so so so glad we are all starting to understand that horses are horses. They are not "pets" like dogs and cats. And they are not livestock like cows & pigs being raised for slaughter. (The SD Animal Industry Board told me that they know of no one in our state who raises horses for slaughter.) Horses are in a class all their own. Those of us who are fortunate enough to live with horses know this. they are in a class all their own. and it is a very classy class.

I don't know how all the sadness about all the horses around here that need rescuing can possibly bring me happiness. Directly, it doesn't. But the fact that there is so much more help for them now around here, and so many more people understanding the big picture, that makes me happy.
What is the big picture? The big picture is the same as it's been since we started doing rescue 7 years ago. Way back when the slaughterhouses were still open in the US. Way back when you could dump anything off at your little delapidated neighborhood salebarn. Dump them off and drive away, so no one will know it was you that brought them here in that condition. What ever happened to wanting to have the highest selling horse? instead of the lowest selling, skinniest, most neglected horse. The big picture is the same. TOO MANY HORSES. Too many horses being bred & born and then never trained, never dewormed, barely fed, never cared for, never loved, never wanted. Still the same big picture. TOO MANY UNWANTED HORSES!
What has changed is the view and the focus of this big picture. People are getting it, finally!
We cannot continue to empower and encourage people to treat their horses like this and say, "that's okay, it happens."
We have to keep reporting things that look like neglect, people who don't have time and money for horses  need to find new homes for them -- before they reach the emaciated state. And people who are breeding their mares and complaining that no one will buy the babies need to quit breeding. WE DO NOT NEED ANYMORE UNWANTED HORSES!
I do not believe there is more neglect going on. How can it be any worse than our cases of Saint Nick and Jack Frost. What I believe is there is more reporting going on and more action being taken. And more people becoming responsible horse owners. More people understanding the Big Picture. Fewer people willing to look the other way, fewer people "bailing out" the irresponsible horse owners, no questions asked. And instead of making it even easier and seemingly ok for these irresponsible owners to treat their horses this way (because that's what we do everytime we bail them out, we empower and encourage them and tell them it's ok), instead of doing that, more people are doing what needs to be done. Looking the neglect straight on, not looking the other way. And telling Authorities there is something wrong, instead of telling the irresponsible owners there is nothing wrong.
It is our business. It is the Earth that we live on, and it is our business.

Oct. 10 is a date of significance

Last night, Oct. 10, Greg & I went to the Paws to Celebrate fundraiser for the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. What a neat event! great food and lots of wine to sample. I was high bidder for a spay/neuter from one of the Vets in Sioux Falls. I figure Turtle will need to be spayed in a few months.
Seven years ago on Oct. 10 we were also doing Humane Society related things. But it was not so pretty, not so fun. On Oct. 10, 2002, we assisted the Humane Society with the rescue of 17 horses in Turner County. That is where Spirit and Butterscotch came from. They were 2 of the weanlings found locked in a building with no food and water.

SPIRIT AND BUTTERSCOTCH, SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER THEIR RESCUE BACK IN 2002.

BILLIE, ONE OF THE MARES HIDDEN OUT IN THE TREES ON THE RESCUE OCT. 10, 2002.

The mares were like "the walking dead" tucked away out in the trees so no one could see them.
I think one thing that has changed over these 7 years is that people are not as afraid to report these situations of starvation. I could never understand this fear anyway. People afraid of getting their "good neighbor" in trouble. What I DON'T understand is how people can look at these animals and NOT report it.
Anyway, I just thought it quite interesting that Oct. 10 should be so eventful for us.

Oh, and this year Oct. 10 involved Law Enforcement just as it did 7 years ago during the horse rescue. But this year, it was because Greg got picked up for speeding on the way home. 65 in a 55.