Abandoned horses, not for the weak of stomach...

[gwenrowdy]

Gah, I wish I hadn't seen this one before going to bed. It was forwarded to me by an online friend. Warning, the pics are hideous, and this comment is from someone who's been doing wound care for umpteenth years (yours truly).

I wonder if these characters will only get a slap on the wrist.

http://www.rockymountainrider.com/0908_abused_horses.htm

[ChocoMare]

The COTH explosive diarrhea curse is too good for those men. :mad: :mad: :mad:

Sickening...absolutely sickening. :dead:

[snkstacres]

Of course they are from Georgia, must be north west Georgia, my neighbors likely LOL


They should be put on a chain gang and treated in exactly the same fashion but they dont have those anymore do they?

[paulosey]

Sickening...nothing that the system will do to these men will come close to the agony they caused these horses.

[Penthilisea]

They might be from GA but those poor horses sure weren't... Some ass hat sold them to these fools.... FLawed system through and through...

[Kareen]

Oh lord. This is one of the most heartbreaking stories I've read :(

[monstrpony]

Sickening and heartbreaking, but, alas, probably the result of ignorance and arrogance rather than intentional cruelty. Makes it no less cruel, and any normal person would know something was not right, but so many people are totally ignorant of animals and these were obviously in love with the wilderness/cowboy image without having a clue.

Poor, poor horses.

[europa]

I got my hot poker ready and I think I know where it needs to go!

[War Admiral]

Of course they are from Georgia, must be north west Georgia, my neighbors likely LOL

No, actually they are from Roswell. Which means they actually have enough money to have treated the horses better. How mind-boggling is it that the judge offered them the opportunity to pay for the horses' feed and vet care and they REFUSED??!!! :mad:

I'm sending a little bit of money. Can't have the world thinking ALL Georgians are like that.

[ReSomething]

Clueless wannabes, like Monstrpony said. But clueless is no excuse for the shameful treatment of those horses. They seem to have had money, they could have educated themselves just a little better for their "wilderness adventure".

[justdandy]

Sorry, but I don't believe the "they were clueless" theory. If they were clueless, you'd think they would have given something to help out instead of refusing to help out in any way.

No....I think they're total *%*)# *)$()%#)( *)*)&*&%#!!!!!!:mad::mad::mad:

Those poor horses. I really do hope they make it. It's going to be a long, tough recovery if they do.:(

[monstrpony]

Sorry, but I don't believe the "they were clueless" theory. If they were clueless, you'd think they would have given something to help out instead of refusing to help out in any way.

No....I think they're total *%*)# *)$()%#)( *)*)&*&%#!!!!!!:mad::mad::mad:

Those poor horses. I really do hope they make it. It's going to be a long, tough recovery if they do.:(

Not at all trying to argue, but that's why I said ignorant AND arrogant--clueless, and refusing to admit it. Really, really dangerous people; too bad the horses have to suffer. If they'd gone into motorcycles instead, they would only have killed themselves. Due to the inherent kindness of equines, the horses are the ones to suffer. It really does turn one's stomach, which will only be compounded by the way the legal system treats ignorance, as opposed to intent, and disregards the arrogance part--we can only hope the judge is paying attention to the fact that they were offered the chance to help the horses when the error of their ways was pointed out to them, and refused to do so.

[justdandy]

I understand, monstr!:) I'm not trying to argue, either.

I'm just so sick and tired of people using ignorance as an excuse. Ignorant or not, can this guy and his father honestly say that seeing a horse with open wounds to the bone and EVERY FREAKIN' bone in it's body protruding is okay? That there was absolutely nothing wrong with the horses? Sorry, but again, I have a hard time believing this guy and his father were "clueless." Clueless on how to properly maintain the horses? Maybe. But definitely not clueless to the fact that those horses needed serious medical attention for, at the least, the open wounds!!!!:mad:

I hope the judge gives them the harshest punishment available. And that still won't be enough, IMO!

[Katie-Nicole]

My website volunteer is as behind as I am with everything. We just discussed doing an update a few minutes ago.

Able just returned to us from a solid month at the vet (I haven't seen that bill yet) but I am happy to report that he is doing well. He got a visit from the farrier yesterday and special shoes to protect his tender feet. The abscesses on his feet have healed but he is still tender. Diamond, the old guy (with the hole in his back) is healing and his feet, legs and hips are better. The wound on his back is about 50% the size it was and is healing. Our Vet says he is impressed with the dedication of the shelter staff and very pleased with the progress. He is not gaining significant weight, however, and since he is the oldest, we are still not sure about his long term health. He never should have been used at his age (22 yr.) to pack into the mountains on an extended trip. None of them were shod properly, one came out of the Selway Wilderness with one shoe, one came out with three shoes, one with none (but the nails were still there.)

Diamond and Able's corneal ulcers are not healing. The vet and our staff are very concerned as this is painful and will cause chronic scaring and potentially cost them their sight. Montana does not have a veterinary ophthalmologist, so we have worked with every knowledgeable vet and optometrist who has volunteered to help. The nearest vet ophthalmologist is in Spokane, WA. We are running out of options.

The two horses who were used as saddle horses are healing faster.

We would, of course, love the help you can offer. Our county asks us as a small non-profit shelter to become the caretaker of these legal cases, but provides us with no financial help. We don't feel we can say no. The local horse community has stepped up and provided hay, volunteers and supplies (senior equine supplements). But to care for their eyes, a shelter staff member has been coming in at 5-6 am to put ointment in the eyes every two hours for 12 hours.

So that is the story. You can donate by going back to our site and hitting the "Donate Now" button and noting in the memo field on PayPal that it is for the Horse Fund. The notice comes directly to me and I will get it assigned to the proper place.

We thank you for your help and concerns. It is so great to hear from people so far away and know we have support. We are a small, aging, but nice shelter in a beautiful community, but we only have five staff members and for the number of animals we handle each year a comparatively small budget.

Lori, my web volunteer, will help me get the website caught up this next week.

vicki dawson, operations manager
406-363-5449

[Ambrey]

Sorry, but I don't believe the "they were clueless" theory. If they were clueless, you'd think they would have given something to help out instead of refusing to help out in any way.

Agreed, clueless people also would notice huge festering wounds on the horses. No, these people are sick in the head :mad:.

[ReSomething]

I'm the one that used clueless. People out for an "adventure" will close their eyes to anything that doesn't support what they want. They were ignorant, they didn't know, they didn't want to know. Plenty of people can be that way. Look at the way some people keep their cars.

When will they go before the judge? The least they should pay is the costs for the rescue.

[justdandy]

I'm the one that used clueless. People out for an "adventure" will close their eyes to anything that doesn't support what they want. They were ignorant, they didn't know, they didn't want to know. Plenty of people can be that way. Look at the way some people keep their cars.

When will they go before the judge? The least they should pay is the costs for the rescue.

Yeah, but cars aren't living, breathing creatures. I'm not the best at keeping my car clean, etc. In fact, if it wasn't for my husband the oil, tires, etc. wouldn't get taken care of as much as they are. However, my horses, cats and dogs get the best of care. In fact, I think I take better care of them than I do myself. That is MY responsibility as a pet owner.

I understand turning a blind eye from actually caring for the horses because of ignorance, but what exactly do you think was going through their minds when they were throwing the thick (and most likely dirty), sweat encrusted saddle blankets and saddles over top of those HUGE A** FESTERING sores on those horses' backs?

[gieriscm]

OMG! When I initially saw the picture of the pack horse I thought it was dead.

The COTH explosive diarrhea curse is too good for those cretins. :mad:

[Ambrey]

I understand turning a blind eye from actually caring for the horses because of ignorance, but what exactly do you think was going through their minds when they were throwing the thick (and most likely dirty), sweat encrusted saddle blankets and saddles over top of those HUGE A** FESTERING sores on those horses' backs?

Yeah, I guess I have trouble calling a complete lack of compassion for another living creature "ignorance." It's actually the definition of "cruelty" when it involves the infliction of pain.

I don't think anyone's saying cruelty is something the perpetrator has to enjoy, but if he sees it happening and does nothing because his own concerns are more pressing that's what it is.

[JAD]

There is only one punishment that I can think of that befits these two individuals:

I say we take them out into a hot, sticky swamp somewhere and hang them up for the bugs to slowly eat alive. I'm not gonna hang them by their feet either!!

What in the world is wrong with people today? I just don't get it. You don't have to be horse knowledgeable to know that this is just wrong, wrong, wrong!!!

[lalahartma1]

Sigh. That is pure evil.

[BasqueMom]

Unbelievable! Just unbelievable..........

Just when you think you have seen it all.....................

[bird4416]

I'm totally sickened by this.:(

[jeta]

I understand turning a blind eye from actually caring for the horses because of ignorance, but what exactly do you think was going through their minds when they were throwing the thick (and most likely dirty), sweat encrusted saddle blankets and saddles over top of those HUGE A** FESTERING sores on those horses' backs?

I think you are assuming that they actually untacked these poor animals....The thought comes to mind that maybe that would have been felt to be an unnecessary effort put in by these shmucks to make the horses comfortable while on this "back to nature trek"...:sigh:

[AdAblurr02]

Yes, that was my first thought - how long had the horse worn the crusty pad that was grinding away at his flesh? I mean, most of these wannabe idiots got all their knowledge from movies on TV - and I have not seen too many instances of the horses in movies (galloped everywhere, whuppin and a spurrin and jerked around to run) ever left anyway but tied by the reins with saddle still on - while the rider goes in for obligatory booze.

Hope the judge is a horse person....

[War Admiral]

Bwahahaha, you GO, Fuglyhorse! (http://fuglyhorseoftheday.blogspot.com/)

:yes:

[3horsemom]

good lord almighty!
there is nothing bad enough to do to these two men.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

I think that for ever, their wages should be garnished to support those horses, and when it is time for the horses to cross the bridge, to help the rescue who supported them. A SUBSTANTIAL garnishment. Which would come even out of their pension/social security. But I am mean. If it were up to me, they would have to pay for the horses before their own health care. And if it were up to me, they would not be eligible for medicare or governmental assistance.

[pj]

Surely there is someway these men can be foreced to pay the horse's bills? If not then there is no justice. they aren't just ignorant they are heartless/souless. Even the most ignorant person in the world would have know the condition of these horses wasn't right. i agree that most likely the horses weren't unsaddled at the end of their tortuous day. The pictures made me cry and i would Love to get my hands on these so called men. i'm in georgia and ashamed that they are from here...in fact i'm ashamed they are on this earth.

[J Swan]

I was willing to consider that these men were merely ignorant.

Until I saw the photos.

There is no way this could be mistaken for ignorance. Any animal needs food and water to survive. Any living thing that has bloody sores and cannot ambulate is suffering. There is no way to mistake this for anything other than a horrible intentional disregard for the welfare of another living being. These animals didn't get in that condition overnight.

Those men WATCHED those animals deteriorate over time. And did NOTHING.

Montana may not have the most modern welfare laws, but there are no doubt plenty of good horsemen and ranchers who would never let an animal get in this condition. I hope they make their voices heard.

And I hope these animals fully recover.

Bless those people for helping these animals - and the husband who searched for the horse - after dark - gets a special place in heaven for risking his own safety to save the life of a suffering animal.

[JAD]

I don't know if it will do any good or not...probably not, but I just sent the story to Katie Couric at the CBS Evening News. I think these scumbags should be put out in the public eye as much as possible.

[greygirls]

This was at the end of the article in Rocky Mountain Rider:


"To put pressure on authorities to prosecute the Heydens to the fullest extent, write to prosecutor John Bell, Ravalli County Attorney’s Office, 205 Bedford Street , Ste C, Hamilton MT 59840."

It might be worth it to drop them a line, even though "the fullest extent" isn't much in Montana.

[Sakura]

Wow, that is just sick... plain and simple. Those men are not normal.

[gwenrowdy]

Katie-Nicole, could I have your permission to crosspost your update on another board? I can't seem to access the Bitteroot Humane website.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

Is there an e mail addy for the attorney's office? I did a quick search but my googleing isn't working.

I am sending a dribble to the rescue that is helping.

[spotted mustang]

"Judge Bailey asked the men if they would like to donate money toward the veterinary bills and feed costs. They declined. "

this made me wanna puke. They were ASKED? they DECLINED? The judge oughta repossess their fat-ass SUV and everything else they own to pay for the care of these horses, for the rest of the horses' lives.

scum of humanity...

[Sannois]

Thats worse than anything on Animal cops.!
God bless the folks who rescued that gelding and the others.
Those people should fry!
All I can say is the Heart of those animals, Imagine how long they had to keep going with sores to become that deep like that, its unimaginable to me that anyone can call themselfves human and inmflick that kind of suffering on anything.
I am truly sickened.
I hope there is a way to keep getting updats on how Able and the others are getting on. MAjor prayers and jingles! :cry::cry::cry::cry::no:

[FindersKeepers]

THings like this absolutely disgust me! :no:

I cried for days when I gave my mare got a sore from my spur after a clinic. I refused to get on her and never used spurs on her again. I felt horrible, and it was the size of a pencil eraser... what the &*%^ is wrong with people??? :mad:

[rcloisonne]

Diamond and Able's corneal ulcers are not healing. The vet and our staff are very concerned as this is painful and will cause chronic scaring and potentially cost them their sight. Montana does not have a veterinary ophthalmologist, so we have worked with every knowledgeable vet and optometrist who has volunteered to help. The nearest vet ophthalmologist is in Spokane, WA. We are running out of options.
Have they tried using the horses' own serum? I had the best luck with serum for treating refractive corneal ulcers. It's cheap and effective.

I'll also donate two Guardian masks for these horses. PM me with info on where they can be sent (I'll order them new from the manufacturer).

[blackstallion]

It breaks my heart that Abe nickered to the strangers who found him and helped him, even after all he'd been through. Those sick @#$!& should have to carry photos of the horses around their necks for all the world to see what they did the rest of their lives.

[FatPalomino]

Thank god Montana even charged them!

http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=166285

In the county with the #2 vet school in the country, blatant and obvious horse abuse goes uncharged.....

I begged for the media to pick up this story, but since the horse already died, they said it's wasn't an interest story anymore :*(

[Sannois]

It breaks my heart that Abe nickered to the strangers who found him and helped him, even after all he'd been through. Those sick @#$!& should have to carry photos of the horses around their necks for all the world to see what they did the rest of their lives.

What a kind trusting animal. IT makes me sick. This probably goes on more than we know just that it gets unreported, or never discovered.
If no one had found that horse he would have layed there for hours suffering an awful death. Sometimes Human beings make me sick its hard to believe what people are capable of. :mad::no::(

[King's Ransom]

The only good thing I could take away from that was that Able did nicker to the strangers ... which I like to think meant he had known kindness before. I am hoping that he had a basic trust of humans from a long life of knowing them, and figured the a@@hats who did this to him were an aberration.

It is beyond my comprehension how or why anyone would do this. I, too, cannot go along with the "ignorance" argument. This was intentional and just plain mean.

NQR ... not in the head, but in the heart.

[scrtwh]

Sigh ... heartbreaking ... :(

[FatPalomino]

Just emailed the shelter with a recommendation for a consult for eye care. He's in Northern Colo but may be able to offer some suggestions via phone.

Hope it helps.

[Anyplace Farm]

It breaks my heart that Abe nickered to the strangers who found him and helped him, even after all he'd been through. Those sick @#$!& should have to carry photos of the horses around their necks for all the world to see what they did the rest of their lives.

That's what absolutely kills me when you see these animal rescues. That horses are such optimistic little creatures that they'll still perk their ears or nicker while at death's door.

I couldn't even look at the link. I've gotten really soft in my old age and just cannot bear to see a suffering animal. Especially horses. They are so at the mercy of their 'caretakers'.

I was glad that the shelter representative got on the thread and posted. I wanted to help but didn't want to look at the thread. This way, I can google and find their site that way and do paypal.

ETA: Just donated. Hope it helps some.

[Dressage62]

This was at the end of the article in Rocky Mountain Rider:


"To put pressure on authorities to prosecute the Heydens to the fullest extent, write to prosecutor John Bell, Ravalli County Attorney’s Office, 205 Bedford Street , Ste C, Hamilton MT 59840."

It might be worth it to drop them a line, even though "the fullest extent" isn't much in Montana.

Bumping the address to the top.

[greygirls]

Thank you Dressage62.

Instead of wringing our hands and cursing the perpetrators, it may be very worthwhile to contact the prosecutor as I suggested before.

Quote from artlce: 2) Montana animal cruelty laws go back to a time when horses were used for work animals, and today, few authorities are willing to spend the time, effort and the public’s money to prosecute a misdemeanor case unless the public raises an outcry. Many animal cruelty cases never go to trial, but are pleaded out with light sentences, and the owners may be able to own animals again.

To put pressure on authorities to prosecute the Heydens to the fullest extent, write to prosecutor John Bell, Ravalli County Attorney’s Office, 205 Bedford Street , Ste C, Hamilton MT 59840.

I think public outcry might sway the judge in this case, especially if the prosecutor can go into court with a fistful of letters. The idea is to "get" these guys, but also to let everyone know that people are outraged by this type of behavior. If it hadn't been for the Internet, no one would even known about this--it would have been overlooked like most misdemeanor crimes are.

Just write a note and put a stamp on an envelope--very archaic I know, but it could make a difference. Meanwhile, I'll try to search out an e-mail/Internet connection.

I'm writin' my letter today, and I don't care if anyone (in Montana) thinks it's none of my business 'cause I don't live there; they're gettin' my opinion anyway.

[FatPalomino]

Just got an email from the humane society. They are using a ophthalmologist from our area that I've also used. Dr. Roberts is a wonderful vet and wonderful person as well. Please consider a donation to help them.

"It is Dr. Roberts who is coming here to Hamilton, MT tomorrow. Turns out he is in MT this week in Bozeman and is willing to drive the 10 hr. round trip to help out our guys. We are transporting them to the vet's clinic this afternoon. We are thrilled to have him coming. He is estimating a cost of approx. $1500 and we are raising that money now.

I am in a race this morning. Will try to post some updates on our site as soon as my volunteer website builder is back.

thank you for the excellent reference. We are looking forward to his work on Diamond and Able.

We have now taken another case of 10 horses and 17 goats on a seizure. One little mare we thought was a yearling is actually a stunted, emaciated 3 yr. old with a broken ankle (I am not a horse person) that was never fixed. Her prognosis is tough. Since the case is so fresh, we need more assessment time on this one. Thank you for the link to CO Horse Rescue. We expect a tough winter. I will also be working closely with Dave Pauli, Regional Dir. of HSUS.

vicki dawson, operations manager
Bitter Root Humane Assoc.
406-363-1650"

[pj]

It breaks my heart that Abe nickered to the strangers who found him and helped him, even after all he'd been through. Those sick @#$!& should have to carry photos of the horses around their necks for all the world to see what they did the rest of their lives.

that really got to me, too.:{

[greygirls]

I didn't find an e-mail address for the attorney's office in Ravalli County, but I did find this:

http://www.ravallirepublic.com/articles/2008/09/15/news/news52.txt

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

THANKS! I sent in my donation and will make calls/letters later.

[Dressage62]

Thank you Dressage62.

Instead of wringing our hands and cursing the perpetrators, it may be very worthwhile to contact the prosecutor as I suggested before.

Quote from artlce: 2) Montana animal cruelty laws go back to a time when horses were used for work animals, and today, few authorities are willing to spend the time, effort and the public’s money to prosecute a misdemeanor case unless the public raises an outcry. Many animal cruelty cases never go to trial, but are pleaded out with light sentences, and the owners may be able to own animals again.

To put pressure on authorities to prosecute the Heydens to the fullest extent, write to prosecutor John Bell, Ravalli County Attorney’s Office, 205 Bedford Street , Ste C, Hamilton MT 59840.

I think public outcry might sway the judge in this case, especially if the prosecutor can go into court with a fistful of letters. The idea is to "get" these guys, but also to let everyone know that people are outraged by this type of behavior. If it hadn't been for the Internet, no one would even known about this--it would have been overlooked like most misdemeanor crimes are.

Just write a note and put a stamp on an envelope--very archaic I know, but it could make a difference. Meanwhile, I'll try to search out an e-mail/Internet connection.

I'm writin' my letter today, and I don't care if anyone (in Montana) thinks it's none of my business 'cause I don't live there; they're gettin' my opinion anyway.


Bumping it back up

[gwenrowdy]

Here's the link to the Bitteroot Humane Society page with the story and updates:
http://www.bitterroothumane.org/Display.asp?Page=News

[gwenrowdy]

Looks like the story made the local t.v. news today. The narrative sounds kind of sanitized and doesn't do these poor souls justice (just my unofficial troll opinion). The readers can leave comments; I'm going to post a link to the story. Nothing like a pic of a horse with half its body torn open to drive the point home.
http://www.kulr8.com/news/state/27136904.html

[King's Ransom]

Please pot the link if you can. That story does not do justice to what actually happened!

[Cupcake]

that is one of the most disturbing abuse cases I have ever seen

I just sent them a donation.

[greygirls]

I feel like I've been talking into a vacuum here about writing letters to the prosecuting attorney in the case. This thread is worthless unless it's just a place to vent your personal disgust and outrage, and what you'd like to do to the two abusers. Grow up, and do something proactive!

Except for those who have donated money or other services to benefit the horses, all the other comments are worthless if there is no action.

I wrote and mailed a letter today in the hopes that public outcry will influence, in some small way, the prosecuting attorney, the presiding judge, and hence, the outcome. The acts of the two defendants actually occurred on public lands, so it's not out of line for taxpaying citizens to voice their opinions about this case. Maybe further down the line, laws will be changed to include stiffer penalties for the more outrageous cases of abuse, as this one is.

I've done my part, so I'm outta' here.................................

[FatPalomino]

Agreed

[hundredacres]

Sickening and heartbreaking, but, alas, probably the result of ignorance and arrogance rather than intentional cruelty. Makes it no less cruel, and any normal person would know something was not right, but so many people are totally ignorant of animals and these were obviously in love with the wilderness/cowboy image without having a clue.

Poor, poor horses.

You would have to be ignorant, blind and without the inability to touch - to not see or feel those bones and know those horses were starving to death. No excuse. In this civilized society, there is no degree of ignorance that would excuse a human from not recognizing seeping wounds and a completely depleted animal.

These men need their [hmmm]s whacked off so they can't be responsible for young humans. At least the younger one should (and if he is a father he should have his children taken away because God knows he probably tortures those children if he is this stupid). The older one should simply be left in the mountains to fend for himself...naked and covered in blood and honey to attract each and every possible predator to his weakened, exposed body. Then he should be left to die once the predators start feeding on him. Hopefully to die near water - just within reach.

What a waste of a human.

[hundredacres]

I feel like I've been talking into a vacuum here about writing letters to the prosecuting attorney in the case. This thread is worthless unless it's just a place to vent your personal disgust and outrage, and what you'd like to do to the two abusers. Grow up, and do something proactive!

Except for those who have donated money or other services to benefit the horses, all the other comments are worthless if there is no action.

I wrote and mailed a letter today in the hopes that public outcry will influence, in some small way, the prosecuting attorney, the presiding judge, and hence, the outcome. The acts of the two defendants actually occurred on public lands, so it's not out of line for taxpaying citizens to voice their opinions about this case. Maybe further down the line, laws will be changed to include stiffer penalties for the more outrageous cases of abuse, as this one is.

I've done my part, so I'm outta' here.................................

How nice to simply assume you are the only proactive person on the planet or on this board.

[gwenrowdy]

Here's an update from today on the Bitter Root Humane org. website:

http://www.bitterroothumane.org/Display.asp?Page=horseupdates

[FatPalomino]

Look at all that hay in front of them.

Those horses might just have thought they have died and gone to heaven.

[millefleur]

The following was posted to another forum last Friday. The Heydons just intended to dump these horses after their "use" all summer. They would have left them at a shelter or auction and 'walked away' to their lives in Georgia. They have no remorse.

“I have a horse rescue organization in Cumming, GA. These two men came to my farm wanting to adopt 4 horses for the summer then bring them back. They said they were going on a trip of a lifetime together, father and son. Admirable? I thought it sounded like a nice experience. After speaking to them a while, they had no horse knowledge, no trailer experience and didn't have any use for the horses after their trip. I had a gut feeling NOT to let them have any horse now or later. I am glad my gut speaks to me. I would have been devistated if it was any horse in my care that this happened to. I am sick to my stomach seeing any horse treated like this. It is absolute cruelty.
When they left here, they were heading to the local horse auction facility to see what they had cheap. These horses once belongs to someone who cared and loved them. I hope the owners never find out so they can be spared the heartache of this suffering.
Cheryl Flanagan
www.savethehorses.org “
horseinc@aol.com

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

We need to ensure that these poor excuses for human beings aren't ever allowed to own anything again. And that they make restitution for the suffering they caused.

[ChocoMare]

The following was posted to another forum last Friday. The Heydons just intended to dump these horses after their "use" all summer. They would have left them at a shelter or auction and 'walked away' to their lives in Georgia. They have no remorse.

“I have a horse rescue organization in Cumming, GA. These two men came to my farm wanting to adopt 4 horses for the summer then bring them back. They said they were going on a trip of a lifetime together, father and son. Admirable? I thought it sounded like a nice experience. After speaking to them a while, they had no horse knowledge, no trailer experience and didn't have any use for the horses after their trip. I had a gut feeling NOT to let them have any horse now or later. I am glad my gut speaks to me. I would have been devistated if it was any horse in my care that this happened to. I am sick to my stomach seeing any horse treated like this. It is absolute cruelty.
When they left here, they were heading to the local horse auction facility to see what they had cheap. These horses once belongs to someone who cared and loved them. I hope the owners never find out so they can be spared the heartache of this suffering.
Cheryl Flanagan
www.savethehorses.org (http://www.savethehorses.org) “
horseinc@aol.com

Cheryl is a very good egg and a sharp horsewoman. I'm sure the DANGER WILL ROBINSON flares were going off in her head when these two ...ahem... men visited. Thank God for her good radar.

[gwenrowdy]

The story made the Atlanta craiglist a few days ago:

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/pet/845841963.html

I'm glad more Georgians will get to see the Heydon family's version of fine horsemanship.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

I really really REALLY want these guys to make full restitution, as much as financial costs repay anything. I want their labor to go towards these horses' care. And yes, I want the 71 yr old to be working too.

[jeta]

Is it up to the descretion of the judge or each individual state as to restitution? Just read the update of the case in NY and she is required to pay $53,000 to pay for the care of the horses she neglected.....Or did I read that wrong.....How is it these guys are not required to pay for the mess they created?

[J Swan]

Anyone with evidence should contact the prosecutor - not disclose it or discuss it on the Internet.

I'm not being mean. Evidence of intent or any other evidence can turn a slap on the wrist (or nothing) into a good solid case.

So please contact the prosecutor! Some good may come of it!

:yes:

The following was posted to another forum last Friday. The Heydons just intended to dump these horses after their "use" all summer. They would have left them at a shelter or auction and 'walked away' to their lives in Georgia. They have no remorse.

“I have a horse rescue organization in Cumming, GA. These two men came to my farm wanting to adopt 4 horses for the summer then bring them back. They said they were going on a trip of a lifetime together, father and son. Admirable? I thought it sounded like a nice experience. After speaking to them a while, they had no horse knowledge, no trailer experience and didn't have any use for the horses after their trip. I had a gut feeling NOT to let them have any horse now or later. I am glad my gut speaks to me. I would have been devistated if it was any horse in my care that this happened to. I am sick to my stomach seeing any horse treated like this. It is absolute cruelty.
When they left here, they were heading to the local horse auction facility to see what they had cheap. These horses once belongs to someone who cared and loved them. I hope the owners never find out so they can be spared the heartache of this suffering.
Cheryl Flanagan
www.savethehorses.org (http://www.savethehorses.org) “
horseinc@aol.com

[CHorseFarm]

Full restitution. Yeah, but money ain't enough for the suffering these heese endured. Where's Tony Soprano when you need him?

[JAD]

"These horses once belongs to someone who cared and loved them. I hope the owners never find out so they can be spared the heartache of this suffering."

How could you care and love a horse and then dump them at an auction? The two things just don't go together in my book!!!

I think the owners SHOULD have to face what happened to these horses so that maybe they won't dump anything else at an auction again so that stuff like this can happen to them. Humane euthanasia would definately have been better than their fate.

[Quinn]

JAD, I couldn't have said it better. Euthanasia is far kinder than being dumped at auction. Here is a good example of what can happen.

http://community.webshots.com/user/ballyduff

[CHorseFarm]

Ya never know, horses can be bought and sold over and over - with promises of a "good home"...to me, Cheryl's sentiment is that the original owners who may not have ever seen this coming (who knows, just speculation), not know the horrible fate that has befallen these guys.

[JAD]

They probably don't know what happened to their horse. But, had the exercised owner responsibility the horses never would have been in this position in the first place. I can't stand someone who chooses the easy way out with their horses instead of the responsible way. One of the horses was 22 years old and had Cushings!! What was it doing at auction?

Sorry, I don't mean to vent at you...it just really ticks me off that people care so little for what "could" happen to their animals once they leave their possession. If they really cared they would either keep them or put them down.

[gwenrowdy]

I received this e-mail update today from the Bitter Root Humane Assoc:

To All The Friends of the Bitter Root Humane Association:

Thank you so much for your generous on-line donations to the BRHA, to "Able" and his buddies. and for your kind words of support and gratitude to our very hard-working staff. The response to Able's story in Rocky Mountain Rider has been wide-spread and extremely gratifying to those of us working with these animals on a daily basis. They are slowly improving and seem to relish the attention they are receiving. You can see updated photos and comments on their progress on our web site at www.bitterroothumane.org.

In addition to Able and friends, the BRHA is currently managing 10 more horses and 16 goats seized by the County Sheriff in yet another animal cruelty case. All these wonderful animals must now wait for the legal system to decide their fate. And we have a full compliment of dogs and cats waiting to get their "forever homes". With this many "customers", you can see how valuable your support is to our operation.

Thank you all so much for your caring and generosity.

With gratitude,

Sue McCormack
Board of Directors
BRHA







--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Alexie]

it's hard to comprehend that Able survived, what a fighter.

[EponaRoan]

New article today with information about a fundraiser.

http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2008/10/09/news/mtregional/news08.txt

By PERRY BACKUS Ravalli Republic
HAMILTON - Theresa Manzella cried the day she read the story about an abused horse left to suffer along a trail in the Bitterroot Mountains this past summer.

On the next day, she decided to do something about it.

Over the last few weeks, the Bitterroot woman has learned there are a lot of others outraged by the case and anxious to do what they can to help out the horse people now call “Able.”

Able was one of four horses confiscated from a pair of Georgia men who had just returned from a months-long pack trip into the mountains.

Two women horseback riding on the Big Creek Trail in the Bitterroot National Forest in August found the emaciated horse covered in gaping sores, tied to a tree and abandoned.

Curtis Hayden, 37, and Craig Hayden, 69, of Woodstock, Ga., have since pleaded not guilty to charges of misdemeanor cruelty to animals.

A pretrial hearing is scheduled Thursday in Ravalli County Justice Court. Officials don't expect either the men or their attorney to attend the omnibus hearing, which is predicted to be just minutes long.

Despite that fact, Manzella still expects quite a few people will show up in support of the horses.

“We want him (the county attorney) to know that we won't stand for a plea bargain in this case,” Manzella said. “We want him to know that we support his efforts. Most people know it's going to be a short and simple thing, but they don't care.

“They want to be there,” she said.

On Saturday, Manzella expects even more people will show up at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds' Arts Building to show their support for the horses and the Bitter Root Humane Association during “Able Days.”

“We've named it after Able - the abused horse who was able to survive against all odds,” Manzella said.

At first, people thought they might have a countywide garage sale and car wash on the same day as the hearing to help raise money for local humane association, but it morphed into something more.

People began donating items and auctioneers offered their time.

“My telephone has been ringing ever since,” Manzella said. “We have all kinds of wonderful donations coming in.”

It didn't stop there.

The fundraiser now includes a chance for county residents to have their dogs vaccinated for rabies and licensed for $20 at the fairgrounds Saturday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The proceeds from the event will be directed toward hiring a county animal control officer.

“We really need an animal control officer here in Ravalli County so people can report cases of animal abuse,” she said. “Right now there's no place for people to go to report neglect or abuse until the case becomes criminal.

“That's absolutely wrong,” Manzella said. “Animals shouldn't have to suffer like that.”

Vicky Dawson, manager of the Bitter Root Humane Association, said Able and another horse confiscated in the Georgia case are now fully recovered from surgery to repair corneal ulcers.

“The ulcers are completely healed,” Dawson said. “There is some scarring on the corneas. That's not a surprise. But, most importantly, they're not in pain any more.”

The case has attracted international attention after horse groups around the world put stories about the horses on their Web sites.

“I've received e-mails, phone calls and letters from England,” she said. “This has become a global story ... horse people feel very strongly about abuse to a horse. They're very angry.”

As a result, there's been a growing amount of support for the Hamilton humane association.

“It's really nice to see that kind of support from so many different people,” Dawson said.

Manzella knows the feeling.

“There's been a tremendous amount of good that's come from this case,” Manzella said. “I think it's part of God's divine plan for Able. ... There's a reason they didn't put him down when they found him along the trail.

“He is really bringing this whole community together,” she said.

Ravalli Republic Editor Perry Backus can be reached at 363-3300 or at editor@ravallirepublic.com.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

That is awesome. And I hope the outpouring of public support translates into forced lifetime reparation for the horses from both ..well, I don't want to use the word "men." How about scumbuckets?

[Ambrey]

That gave me the chills. Thanks for posting. I was so glad to hear that the horses are doing well, and the men aren't.

[Alexie]

thanks for the update, good to hear they are doing well. was especially concerned that they would lose their sight after all they had been through.

it's good to hear the ulcers have healed.

[millefleur]

The Georgia men who abused the four horses have chosen to go to trial in Ravalli County. They may still plea bargain out before the trial, but it would be good to put pressure on the county attorney to go to trial. Go to http://www.rockymountainrider.com/0908_abused_horses.htm, and at the end of the story is contact information.

[nightsong]

That gave me the chills. Thanks for posting. I was so glad to hear that the horses are doing well, and the men aren't.

Those poor horses are being cared for by a facility so ill-equipped that it doesn't even have a SHLTER, although materials for a 12x20 run-in have been donated, the horses are being kept in part of the dog/cat shelter property that happened to have been fenced lately. And did you read that the ulcerated eyes problems were from bein repeatedly bitten by insects??!!!

The MEN, however; have had no problems whatsoever. They have paid no money, only been chargged with a MISDEMEANOR, and, by all accounts, will probably get off with a plea bargain. :mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

[LessonLearned]

[QUOTE=JAD;3541558I think the owners SHOULD have to face what happened to these horses so that maybe they won't dump anything else at an auction again so that stuff like this can happen to them. Humane euthanasia would definately have been better than their fate.[/QUOTE]

I would think that anyone who dumped their horses at an auction in the first place wouldn't really give a lick to what happened to them anyway. My guess? You could probably show the original owners these pictures and they would shrug and walk away.

Its not like it is a huge mystery what happens to horses that are run through auctions (indeed many people who drop off their horses do so as a means of euthanasia :mad:). I'm sure, if pressed, they might come up with some sob story about how they couldn't afford the horses, had no other choice, etc so they don't look like complete hearless scum, but the reality is what it is.

I am glad the horses are being helped and hope that these monsters are forced to pay for what they did to them.

[greygirls]

Thanks for the info on the court date and the fact that they opted for a trial. I'm surprised.
Wonder if they have to appear?

I already wrote to the prosecutor asking that they not be allowed to plead out and that they be prosecuted "to the full extent" and hoped that others would write letters as well, thinking it (public opinion) might have some affect on the judge's ruling.

One of my arguments for writing was that although I'm not from the state of Montana, the "crimes" against the horses were played out on public lands, so in a way it's everyone's business. And the perpetrators should also have to pay for all the damages done--every dime.

Seems the defense attorney is well aware of the "hoopla" surrounding this case and is resenting it highly:). I heard that he is a "criminal defense attorney"? For a misdemeanor case? Hmmmm, that's interesting.

I hope these two get slammed in court.