Monday December 15, 2008, 6:46 am
E-MAIL SENT TO ME BY JERILYN:

From: Riche Churchill [mailto:buglr@blomand. net]
Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 9:20 PM
To:
Subject: Dying horses

We have horses starving and dying in the field here (McMinnville, Warren
County) and the county extension agent does nothing -- sometimes goes out to
observe, but does nothing. He went out to a call about 3 horses and did
nothing -- the next day one of them was dead. When told this, the ext agent
said, "I'll bet it was the black one." So he jolly well knew the horses were
in extremely bad shape.

We've been told he does nothing because he's paid by the University of
Tennessee. What that has to do with it, is beyond me.

There must be SOMEONE who can help?????? Who will make someone do
something??? We've talked to the local newspaper, they've talked to Channel
4 TV, but so far nothing is being done.

Riche Churchill
931-686-2012

WARREN COUNTY EXTENSION: http://warren.tennessee.edu/

McMINNVILLE, TENN. ADMINISTRATION: sdurham@mcminnvilletenn.com

CITY ADMIN.: DAVID RUTHERFORD- drutherford@mcminnville.com

Monday December 15, 2008, 6:53 am
President's Staff: UNIV. OF TENN.

http://president.tennessee.edu/staff/index.html

Monday December 15, 2008, 7:15 am
Thanks so much Brenda!
Will get this out!
Jerilyn

Monday December 15, 2008, 7:47 am
YOU VERY WELCOME MY FRIEND--I'M IN A RAGE BECAUSE NOBODY CARES ENOUGH TO HELP THESE STARVING HORSES!
MY E-MAIL I JUST SENT:

THERE ARE HORSES STARVING & SOME DEAD IN YOUR TOWN OF McMINNVILLE, TN. APPARENTLY NO ONE WANTS TO TAKE THE TIME OR EFFORT TO HELP THESE HORSES. YOUR COUNTY EXT. AGENT HAS LOOKED AT THEM AND DONE NOTHING EXCEPT BE A SMART ASS ABOUT THE EXTREME CRUELTY OF THE STARVATION OF THESE PITIFUL HORSES! I JUST POSTED THE STORY BELOW WITH THE LETTER ON CARE2.COM--WE HAVE NEARLY 10 MILLION MEMBERS AND I ALSO POSTED YOUR CONTACT INFO. SO YOU WILL BE HEARING FROM MANY, MANY PEOPLE--I HOPE & PRAY YOU DO THE RIGHT THING AND GET HELP TO THESE HORSES IMMEDIATELY AND FIRE WHOEVER DID "NOTHING" TO HELP THEM!

Monday December 15, 2008, 7:53 am
Surely there must be care 2 members on here that are close to this area ....go feed these animals...dont comment just drive there and feed them

Monday December 15, 2008, 8:00 am
E-MAIL ADDRESSES FOR: Veterinary Medicine Administration--U.T.

http://www.agriculture.utk.edu/personnel/departments/details/default.asp?vn=UTIA_AdminVet&o=1

Monday December 15, 2008, 8:02 am
Noted and disgusted. Thank you for your quick help Brenda.

Monday December 15, 2008, 8:09 am
Sacred Heart Rescue, Incorporated
(931) 761-8568
Sparta, TN 38583 Map it
www.sacredheartrescue.com

Monday December 15, 2008, 8:14 am
http://www.horsehavenoftn.com/Rescue.htm

Monday December 15, 2008, 8:14 am
http://www.saveyourhorse.com/whobook.htm

Monday December 15, 2008, 8:15 am
http://www.ghostfleetfarm.com/state%20p%20to%20z.htm

Monday December 15, 2008, 8:16 am
http://www.naturalhorsetraining.com/HorseRescues.html

Monday December 15, 2008, 8:16 am
http://www.greenpeople.org/sanctuary.htm

Monday December 15, 2008, 8:17 am
http://www.horses-and-horse-information.com/horserescue.shtml

Monday December 15, 2008, 8:18 am
http://members.petfinder.org/~TN361/thanks.html

Monday December 15, 2008, 8:19 am
http://www.netposse.com/protectionlist.htm

Monday December 15, 2008, 8:20 am
http://cherokeewhitehorse.com/rescue.html

Monday December 15, 2008, 8:21 am
SUNRISE MINIATURE HORSE RESCUE
MASON,TN
MASON, Tennessee 38049
Phone: 901-643-9355
Email: sunrisefarmstn@yahoo.com

Monday December 15, 2008, 8:22 am
http://www.equinekingdom.com/links/horse_rescue.htm

Monday December 15, 2008, 8:37 am
I e-mailed a letter to this county. I also have the address to send a personal one.

Monday December 15, 2008, 10:36 am
Brenda, I just sent an e-mail to Bobby Kirby,
the vice-mayor. I know McMinnville, and they
really don't want this to get heavily publicised.
That's basically what I told Mr. Kirby. If I get
a response, I'll forward it to you, sweetie!
Thans, and
noted.

Monday December 15, 2008, 10:42 am
Believe me if I could drive there to feed them I would, I would also give these people the beating of there life or I would want too!!!! Why not put them out in a field and tie them up with no food or shelter and see how long they last hua? I'm sick of this sinken abuse its time for the laws to toughen down on people and get a reality check. Fire all of these joke's and get people in there that care. Jerks. I would love putting a robin hood on these people and the law too they are so deserving. Thanks Brenda.

Monday December 15, 2008, 10:51 am
I wrote to the Sheriff Dept. maybe this will get something done hummmm maybe I told them watch tv and see whats going on or ask questions.

Monday December 15, 2008, 10:55 am
Letter sent to those people in that area, town & county.

TY, Brenda.

Monday December 15, 2008, 10:58 am
Joy is there an email address for the Sheriffs Dept? Email me please and I'll get others to send emails to flood the sheriffs office.

Can't drive to TN or I'd be there!!

Monday December 15, 2008, 11:26 am
OK sent email, upon email, upon email. Think anyone will step up to the plate and intercede???

Monday December 15, 2008, 12:23 pm
Forwared on to my network, but thought I'd post the emails here and maybe more folks would be inclined to participate if they could simply cut and paste onto their email.

URGENT: PLZ TAKE ACTION: "HORSES STARVING & DEAD IN TENNESSEE"
Animals (tags: HORSES, STARVING, suffering, cruelty, death, abuse, AnimalCruelty, AnimalWelfare, animaladvocates )



Brenda
- 51 minutes ago - mcminnvilletenn.com


We have horses starving and dying in the field here (McMinnville, Warren County) and the county extension agent does nothing -- sometimes goes out to observe, but does nothing. (MORE INFO IN COMMENTS)

To make it easy for you who might be disinclined to take the time to locate the email contacts yourself, I have made it easy for you and listed them here, you can copy and paste to your email.
sdurham@mcminnvilletenn.com; drutherford@mcminnville.com; sunrisefarmstn@yahoo.com; bobbykirby@blomand.net; fblack@mcminnvilletenn.com; csewell@mcminnvillepd.com; nmosley@mcminnvillepd.com; tjenkins@mcminnvillepd.com; bpowers@mcminnvillepd.com; trowland@mcminnvillepd.com; swhitman@mcminnvillepd.com; srackley@mcminnvillepd.com; jwoodlee@mcminnvillepd.com; mlane@mcminnvillepd.com; warrencotn@blomand.net; lkhaley@blomand.net; shari@sacredheartrescue.com; sylvia@naturalhorsetraining.com

Monday December 15, 2008, 12:38 pm
Tennesse University Vet department
============================
mrbailey@utk.edu; rboozer@utk.edu; jbrace@tennessee.edu; vbyrge@tennessee.edu; bcampbe4@utk.edu; scherry4@tennessee.edu; celdrid2@tennessee.edu; dgeiser@tennessee.edu; dhampste@tennessee.edu; sharbiso@tennessee.edu; jhenton@tennessee.edu; shill31@tennessee.edu; tcromwel@tennessee.edu; mmcmurr1@tennessee.edu; rmoore1@tennessee.edu; nneilsen@tennessee.edu; cvarga@tennessee.edu; kimruth1@tennessee.edu; cshelby1@tennessee.edu; dsvetmed@tennessee.edu; jthomp70@tennessee.edu; swaters@tennessee.edu;

Town officials
============
sdurham@mcminnvilletenn.com; drutherford@mcminnville.com;

Horse rescue organisati

Monday December 15, 2008, 12:39 pm
Emails are sent, thanks Brenda, Patrica

Monday December 15, 2008, 12:39 pm
Horse rescue organisati

Monday December 15, 2008, 12:41 pm
Horse rescue organisati

Monday December 15, 2008, 12:43 pm
Sorry, it will just not copy and paste. I'm gonna do it manually:
Horse rescue organisations:
==========================
sunrisefarmstn@yahoo.com
shari@sacredheartrescue.com
hht@horsehavenoftn.com
info@brighterdayshorserefuge.org
sharehorsestories@yahoo.com
revranch@icx.net

Monday December 15, 2008, 1:21 pm
THIS IS HOW I WORDED MY LETTER BORROWING FROM SOME OF THE OTHER POST.

There are horses starving and some dead in a field in your town of McMinnville, TN. Apparently no one wants to take the time or effort to help these horses. The county ext. agent should be accountable as to whether he fulfills the duties required in his job. The McMinnville county ext. agent has done nothing in spite of seeing for himself the extreme cruelty of the starvation of these pitiful horses. One died the day after he visited the field site.
As a resident of Tennessee I find it very shameful and embarrassing that we are one of the states with the poorest animal protection laws, and the laws we do have are obviously not being enforced. How can public officials ignore such cruel and criminal neglect? Starvation of an animal is a deliberate, slow, painful death and the owners should be punished to the full extent of the law. Where is human decency and responsibility?

Monday December 15, 2008, 1:44 pm
Melissa...you live in Tennessee?????
These horses apparently cannot wait, for letters to be sent and read ....go feed them.Anyone on here who lives near this place shoud go feed these animals .....now

Monday December 15, 2008, 1:55 pm
done ty

Monday December 15, 2008, 1:56 pm
THANK YOU TIM AND EVERYONE WHO IS HELPING--I HAVE SENT THIS TO EVERY HORSE ORG. I KNOW--HAD TO HAVE COUPLE HRS. SLEEP--BUT I'M BACK--GOING TO CHECK E,AIL AN SEE IF ANYONE RESPONDED!

Monday December 15, 2008, 2:01 pm
THANKS FOR THE EMAIL CONTACTS--I SURE NEEDED SOME HELP BUT KNEW C2 FRIENDS WOULD STEP UP!! LOVE YOU ALL! SENDING E-MAILS NOW!

Monday December 15, 2008, 2:11 pm
Wish I could do something myself, but I am sending the email on to folks I know with a rescue org--perhaps they can help. Thanks for letting me know!
Andrea Ohnstad
Silver Phoenix Ranch, LLC

Monday December 15, 2008, 2:47 pm
UPDATE: I JUST CALLED RICHIE & TALKED TO HER SISTER-ANDREA-THEY ARE THE WARREN CO. HUMANE SOCIETY--THEY GOT AN ANONYMOUS CALL YESTERDAY ABOUT THE HORSES--SHE HAS CONTACTED HORSE PEOPLE THAT ARE SEEING ABOUT THEM==THE CO. EXT. AGENT JUST TOLD THE OWNER TO FEED THEM! OMG--THERE ARE 2 LADIES CARING FOR THEM NOW AND ANDREA SAID SHE WOULD CHECK WITH THEM ABOUT THE HORSES AND GIVE ME ANOTHER UPDATE AT 7:30/8:00 TONIGHT--SHE SAID THE LADIES ARE TAKING A DEPUTY OUT THERE AND THE HORSES WOULD PROBABLY BE MOVED--WILL LET YA'LL KNOW UPDATE SOO AS I GET IT!

Monday December 15, 2008, 2:51 pm
P.S.--ANDREA SAID ALL THE E-MAILS WE SENT GOT ALL THE OFFICIALS IN GEAR!!!!!

Monday December 15, 2008, 4:13 pm
THIS IS GREAT!
SOMEONE NEEDED TO GET IN GEAR!
THANK YOU SO MUCH BRENDA AND THE REST OF YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!

Monday December 15, 2008, 4:57 pm
Thank you Brenda for the update - I've been staring at the picture of the starving/dying horse - my heart in shreds. Why don't people act sooner? Why must there be such terrible suffering? I could not feed them, but at least I sourced some email addresses. I feel so helpless sometimes. Bless everyone who jumped to help here.

Monday December 15, 2008, 5:07 pm
Just hearing of this myself. I operate a horse rescue one town away but in all of this there is no information as to the address where these horses are located.

Does anyone have the address where these horses are. I have plenty of hay to offer but it doesn't do much good without an address!

Thanks
Shari
shari@sacredheartrescue.com

Monday December 15, 2008, 5:27 pm
Thank you Shari...finally someone suggesting that they go feed these animals...

Monday December 15, 2008, 5:41 pm
SHARI--THIS IS THE #Riche & ANDREA Churchill
931-686-2012 THIS IS WHO I'M CALLING IN A FEW MIN.--WILL FIND OUT MORE.

Monday December 15, 2008, 5:45 pm
Noted and Thanks brenda and everyone that helped the starving horses. I just come online and you guys had allready taken care of it! What great people I have for friends!

Monday December 15, 2008, 6:03 pm
Monday, December 15, 2008 6:07 PM

From: "Riche Churchill"

Monday December 15, 2008, 6:11 pm
MY POST DIDN'T SHOW!
From: "Riche Churchill"
We are monitoring the situation. At the present time the 2 remaining horses are being fed by a neighbor. We will take photos tomorrow (12/16) and try to assess condition and find out what is being done or will be done in future. The county ag agent has inspected the horses and has told the owners to feed them.

I JUST TALKED TO ANDREA-RICHE'S SISTER--SHE TOLD ME BASICALLY THE SAME THING AND THEY HAVE AN ICE STORM HEADED THAT WAY--I TOLD HER THEY COULD NOT SURVIVE UNLESS THEY ARE IN A SHELTER OF SOME KIND--SHE SAID THEY HAD A "TARP" OVER THEM! THEY COULDN'T MOVE THEM UNTIL DOCUMENTATION/PICTURES WERE TAKEN TOMORROW! I ASK HER DIDN'T THEY KNOW ABOUT THE HORSES "YESTERDAY"-THEY DID! THIS IS VERY UPSETTING TO ME--THE HORSES SHOULD ALREADY HAVE BEEN MOVED TO SOME PLACE WARM & SAFE!

Monday December 15, 2008, 6:17 pm
This is a letter and feedback from one of the people I wrote earlier.
_____________________

Mr. Phillips:

I have spoken to staff members at the City and they tell me that they have
addressed this problem today, which I understand is located in the County,
not inside the City limits. I differentiate the geographical location only
because it is relevant to the people who are charged with the responsibility
for follow-up.

I, like you, cannot tolerate animal cruelty. I sincerely hope this
situation has been resolved swiftly and that the responsible parties held
accountable for their actions.

Please contact us anytime that we may be of assistance.


Alicea Weddington
President
McMinnville-Warren County Chamber of Commerce
110 S. Court Square, PO Box 574
McMinnville TN 37111
Tel: 931-473-6611
Fax: 931-473-4741
www.warrentn.com

To: bobbykirby@blomand.net
Cc: drutherford@mcminnvilletenn.com; sdurham@mcminnvilletenn.com;
fblack@mcminnvilletenn.com; president@warrentnfarmersmarket.org;
vicepresident@warrentnfarmersmarket.org;
secretary@warrentnfarmersmarket.org;
marketmanager@warrentnfarmersmarket.org; aweddington@warrentn.com;
csewell@mcminnvillepd.com; drutherford@mcminnville.com;
sdurham@mcminnvilletenn.com; info@mainstreetmcminnville.org;
pzmcminn@mcminnvilletenn.com; mcminnparks@mcminnvilletenn.com;
publicworks@mcminnvilletenn.com
Subject: Starving Horses

Sirs:

There are starving horses and some are dead in your Town of McMinnville, TN.
Apparently no one wants to take the time or effort to help these horses.
Your county extension agent looked at them and did nothing except to be a
smart a** about the extreme cruelty of the starvation of those horses.

Please do the right thing and get help to those horses ASAP! Please fire the
county ext. person who did nothing. Thank you.

Jim Phillips

Monday December 15, 2008, 6:19 pm
SHARI--I TOLD HER YOU HAD OFFERED HAY--SAID THEY HAD A LITTLE FOR NOW, BUT WOULD LET ME KNOW IF NEEDED ANY! I TOLD HER NEEDED TO KNOW WHERE HORSES ARE THAT YOU WERE ONE COUNTY OVER--BUT SHE JUST SAID WOULD UPDATE ME TOMORROW.

ABDREA--PHONE # 931-686-2012

Monday December 15, 2008, 7:00 pm
Geeze there's no time to wait here! I want to just shake people. Ice storm and starving horses is a death sentance. That's what I always heard, tomorrow... but tomorrow doesn't come for many of these animals. 72 hour notices requirement does not apply to 'near death" animals, they can be siezed immediately than papers for custody and hearing can be filed properly after the animals are secured. When it comes to laws, State over rides county, county over rides city. They can make the laws stricter, but not less than each up the ladder. So city and county laws are bound by the state. Just FYI for anyone.

Monday December 15, 2008, 7:07 pm
Also, not all animal laws are listed in the code books that police and what not get. Only a couple animal laws are in there. I bought a law book from the local college book store on traffic laws of all things to have the full animal laws listed. I then copied that and gave out to the police officers and sgts. Most police authorities, unless they take an active part in animal cases, do not know animal law at all. By active part I mean that have gone above and beyond and researched all the animal laws pertaining to their state. Otherwise they need to be educated and shown, look, you can do this and point it out to them in black and white. Animal control officers have a lot of rights, more than people realize.

Monday December 15, 2008, 8:32 pm
THIS IS FROM A HORSE RESCUE IN TENN. I JUST GOT. TIME IS AGAINST HORSES IN THIS SHAPE TO START WITH.

These horses need special attention around the clock. They can't just be offered as much feed as they can eat (hay is ok). Their bodies will shut down. They need small amounts of feed frequently with gradual increases over time.

I wish I had heard of this before now. I was unable to reach them as their line was busy and I imagine by now they have taken it off the hook.

I've contacted the licensed equine investigators that I know of in the state and will stay on top of this. These county ag agents often turn their backs and it is appalling. Their investigation is often required for prosecution but in these small towns they often know the owners or kin/friends of the owners and choose not to get involved.

Thanks for your concern and actions with this matter.

Monday December 15, 2008, 8:32 pm
Noted. Signed.

Monday December 15, 2008, 8:48 pm
Telling people to just "go feed the horses" is the WRONG thing to do - refeeding a starved animal requires knowledge - you can feed a starved animal to death!!! It seems all of the emails and calls have "encouraged" the authorities to take some sort of action but driving by and throwing out feed and hay is a death sentence for the animals - be smart people!!!

Monday December 15, 2008, 11:36 pm
The people responsible for this need to be prosecuted to full extent of law i mean to the pen chris

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 4:25 am
I pray these horses will soon be in a place where they will get all the attention they need. It is scandelous that the people that can help are doing nothing.Noted but can't find Petition to sign. Tried to send emails but my program doesn't reconise the addressess and won't let me do it. Thanks.

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 4:27 am
FYI, the photo attached to this original post is from another case in Texas. It is NOT of any of these horses in Tennessee that this post is about.

It isn't going to help to go slamming any officials involved in this case until the facts are known. The priority right now is to focus on getting the horses taken care of, not getting all the officials up in arms and on the defensive. That is why everyone (officials) dont want to get involved or take responsibility in the first place.

It also isn't going to help by quoting a rescue organization when they speak negatively of county ag agents. These rescue organizations still have to work with the ag agents and local officials whether they like it or not.

Lets all not make the situation any worse and please stop contacting the Churchhills and tying up their line. They are very upset and reasonably so.

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 5:13 am
PS This case is in the county, not the city. The McMinnville Police Dept has absolutely no jurisdiction in this matter so all of the blast emails to all officers in the McMinnville PD and city officials was a waste of effort.

This matter is for the Warren County Agricultural Agent, the Warren County Sheriff's Dept Humane Officers, state licensed equine investigators and Warren County Humane Society, all of which are aware of the situation.

There is protocol that needs to be followed. I know it SUCKS but otherwise the investigation is compromised and any chance of prosecution is lost.

I've been in contact with the humane society who is directly involved and was given a scale of 4 for these horses which is not bad. This is not a scale of 1-10 where 10 is the best. 5 is actually ideal. Lets all take a deep breath and find out the true story.

It is great to see so many people who care but right now lets just let everyone do their job so the horses can get taken care of.

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 5:48 am
A scale of 4 makes no sense, I believe someone does not understand the scale. A horse on scale of 4 would not die of starvation. They would barely have ribs showing. And no, you can't just go feed a horse like that, they have to be conditioned onto it gradual. Even a horse that is eating regulars feed should not change by more than a pound a meal over a period of time. A horse is dead, no way that horse was a 4. When horses are starving they need to be removed to a facility that knows how to care for neglect cases such as this pending a custody hearing. With an ice storm coming they need proper shelter because they have no fat to help keep them warm. Eating hay also warms horses.

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 6:40 am
I sent Richie a copy of a body scoring chart and asked that the horses be evaluated by that and let me know the condition. For those not familiar with one here is the written part as the diagram picture will not display.

The ideal body condition
score is between 5 and 6.5

Description of Individual Condition Scores (Score 1-9)
1. Poor: Animal extremely emaciated; spinous processes, ribs, tailhead,
tuber coxae (hip joints), and ischia (lower pelvic bones) projecting
prominently; bone structure of withers, shoulders and neck easily
noticeable; no fatty tissue can be felt.
2. Very Thin: Animal emaciated; slight fat covering over base of spinous
processes; transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae feel rounded;
spinous processes, ribs, tailhead, tuber coxae (hip joints) and ischia
(lower pelvic bones) prominent; withers, shoulders and neck structure
faintly discernible.
3. Thin: Fat buildup about halfway on spinous processes; transverse
processes cannot be felt; slight fat cover over ribs; spinous processes
and ribs easily discernible; tailhead prominent, but individual
vertebrae cannot be identified visually; tuber coxae (hip joints) appear
rounded but easily discernible; tuber ischia (lower pelvic bones) not
distinguishable; withers, shoulders and neck accentuated.
4. Moderately Thin: Slight ridge along back; faint outline of ribs
discernible; tailhead prominence depends on conformation, fat can be
felt around it; tuber coxae (hips joints) not discernible; withers,
shoulders, and neck not obviously thin.
Body Condition Scoring Many physiological functions in horses are influenced by
body condition including horse's maintenance, reproductive
and exercising requirements. A system called Body Condition
Scoring can be used to rate ideal body condition. This
condition scoring system is based on visual appraisal and
palpable fat cover on six areas of your horse's body.
A. Along the neck
B. Along the withers
C. Crease down back
D. Tailhead
E. Ribs
F. Behind the shoulder
The ideal body condition
score is between 5 and 6.5.
A
B C D
F E
5. Moderate: Back is flat (no crease or ridge); ribs not visually
distinguishable but easily felt; fat around tailhead beginning to feel
spongy; withers appear rounded over spinous processes; shoulders and
neck blend smoothly into body.
6. Moderately Fleshy: May have slight crease down back; fat over ribs
spongy; fat around tailhead soft; fat beginning to be deposited along
the side of withers, behind shoulders, and along sides of neck.
7. Fleshy: May have crease down back; individual ribs can be felt, but
noticeable filling between ribs with fat; fat around tailhead soft; fat
deposited along withers, behind shoulders, and along neck.
8. Fat: Crease down back; difficult to feel ribs; fat around tailhead
very soft; area along withers filled with fat; area behind shoulder
filled with fat; noticeable thickening of neck; fat deposited along
inner thighs.
9. Extremely Fat: Obvious crease down back; patchy fat appearing over
ribs; bulging fat around tailhead, along withers, behind shoulders, and
along neck; fat along inner thighs may rub together; flank filled with
fat.

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 7:11 am
They're lower than a 4, as hip bones are prominent, backbone prominent.

This is report I got back, which would place the horses at a 2 at best, as a 3 the hips are still rounded. So the report of the horses being a 4 is inacurate.

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 8:16 am
THANK YOU MELODY FOR THE UPDATE-ONE IS ALREADY DEAD, SO THE OTHER 2 CAN'T BE MUCH BETTER--I STILL THINK PROPER SHELTER FROM THE FREEZING COLD SHOULD BE TOP PRIORITY--A CANVAS OVER THEM OUT IN A FIELD IS CERTAINLY NOT ENOUGH.

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 8:28 am
THE CHURCHILLS MAY BE BOTHERED NOW--BUT YESTERDAY SHE WAS BEGGING FOR HELP BECAUSE NOBODY WOULD DO ANYTHING SHE SAID TO HELP THE HORSES--WE DID WHAT WAS NEEDED AND HAVE AT LEAST GOTTEN ATTENTION FOR THE HORSES-WITH WHAT INFORMATION RICHE CHURCHILL GAVE US.

SO WE DID WHAT WAS NECESSARY AND MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO SENT EMAILS AND MADE PHONE CALLS TO HELP THE HORSES! SOMETHING IS BEING DONE FOR THEM NOW!

There must be SOMEONE who can help?????? Who will make someone do
something??? We've talked to the local newspaper, they've talked to Channel
4 TV, but so far nothing is being done.

Riche Churchill

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 1:53 pm
These are some of the responses I have gotten. I don't know the name of the owners or the address they need.

Please give me the address and if you know who the owners are their names please. We can't try to help without location, etc.
Thanks
Ellen
Maranatha Ranch
revranch@icx.net

I have been in contact with Mr. Churchill who filed the complaint, and let him know we are willing to help if he can get us more information in regards to these animals. I am just waiting for him (or someone) to get us this information. people can also post a complaint on the main page of our website at www.horsehaven.net

Nina L. Margetson
Executive Director
Horse Haven of Tennessee, Inc.
(865) 609-4030
www.horsehaven.net

Ms. Guinn,
I find it interesting that so many people have bombarded our department with e-mails about dead horses, but no one has bothered to tell us where these horses are located. So, I checked with the County Extension and was advised that the horses that have been referenced in these e-mails are located in the unincorporated portion of Warren County which means they are actually NOT in the City of McMinnville. This also means that we have no legal jurisdiction in this issue.
Thank you
Charlie Sewell
Chief of Police

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 7:31 pm
I've asked for the address for these horses since this was first brought to my attention. None of us can help without knowing where the horses are. I am a county away and have offered hay and blankets.

They remained in the ice/rain storm last night and as far as I can tell still remain on the property in the custody of the people who have starved them.

Attention may have been drawn to the horses but the horses aren't getting the attention they need except from the people originally begging for help because they won't tell anyone where they are. Even the licensed equine investigators cant get them to release the address. They could actually get things done with or without the ag agent but they cant get the address.

They have been so bombarded they now fear being sued and wont release the information needed to help these horses.

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 7:47 pm
P.S. When I sent my message to SPCA of Tennessee asking where to turn for help, I had no idea my message would be broadcast the way it was -- obviously I'm not as internet savvy as many -- and certainly did not expect it to be sent to local government officials. I just hope I don't get my butt sued.

I had asked them (SPCA-TN) for help before about dog cruelty and not ended up in a storm like this one has caused, so had no reason to think this would be different.

It is just so frustrating to try to help animals and be prevented from doing so by the very people who are supposed to help us (animal control officers, sheriff's dept., ag agent, etc.) even when "the law" is on our side. Our local Humane Society consists of just 3 women, all over 70 (I'm nearly 80) and the stress is not something we can continue to handle much longer.

Riche

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 7:49 pm
The above was quoted from Riche

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 7:54 pm
I haven't been online for a couple of days and I just came upon this. Does anyone have an update? Did someone finally go and get or help these poor horses yet? I just cannot believe authorities knowing the condition of these horses (not even shelter for them!) hadn't done anything! Should we still send emails? Make phone calls? If nothing has been done yet, just let me know and I'll let my 'fingers' do the talking. This is appalling!
Let me know Brenda, or anyone else who has latest news.

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 8:30 pm
Enough emails have been sent to the wrong people. The wheels in motion have caused the train to come off the track. The person who needed the help is now facing nothing but scrutiny from local officials and has shut down.

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 8:33 pm
"""My original post asking for help ended up being sent to a huge list and we are getting emails and calls from all over the country. In addition, the message was sent to our city officials, who are rather up in arms about it. If we can get the horses relocated and in recuperation locally, that is preferable as I'm already in enough trouble now, and likely to be in more as word spreads here, without bringing in "outside agitators" (as I'm sure local yokels will view it)."""

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 8:38 pm
This poor senior citizen was just trying to do the right thing and now has to deal with all of the fallout on his own and continue to live in the county where all officials both city and county will hold this against him for all of the publicity. The city isn't even reaponsible and has gotten the worst publicity of all.

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 8:43 pm
The photo of the starved horse that has gotten everyone all excited isn't even a photo of an actual horse in this case.

These people will probably never try to get assistance for another animal because of this.

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 8:48 pm
They also may never release the address where these horses are located to anyone that actually has the ability to help them and go above the heads of the ag agents. They probably fear for their own lives at this point, I know they fear for their sanity!

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 8:53 pm
I can understand that the city isn't responsible, but did they pass word along and try and get this person help with his horses? This is just upsetting and I hope help comes to the horses before it's to late. I wish all involved luck in helping these horses. Please try and keep us updated. If there's anything that needs to be done on 'our' end, just yell.
Thanks for telling us what you know so far Shari.

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 8:56 pm
SHARI--I HAVE USED THIS PIC SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE--THE POINT BEING--THE PIC DOESN'T MATTER--GETTING HELP FOR STARVING HORSES IN A FIELD IN THE FREEZING RAIN & COLD IS THE POINT! I'M SURE EVERYBODY THAT WORKS ON C2 ABOUT ANIMALS HAVE SEEN MUCH WORSE--WE SEE IT EVERY DAY--IT'S NOT A PIC THAT HAS CAUSED ALL THE CONCERN--IT'S THE (STARVING HORSES"!! AND THERE IS STILL MUCH CONCERN BECAUSE WE DON'T EVEN IF THEY'VE BEEN MOVED OUT OF THE FIELD YET OR NOT!

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 9:02 pm
SOMEONE NEEDS TO LET A RESCUE IN AND GET THE HORSES TO SAFETY--THEY CAN ARGUE ABOUT WHO SHOULD DO WHAT--WHEN--LATER AND ALL THE LEGAL GARBAGE LATER--HORSES STARVING ARE RESCUED EVERYDAY! THESE SHOULD HAVE BEEN 3 DAYS AGO!

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 9:10 pm
I've been trying to get help to them myself and I am right next door. You are just going about it the wrong way, contacting the wrong people. I've gotten emails from as far as Australia and Belgium but they certainly can't help!

You are making it harder for those of us that could have done something. Now everyone is shutting down because of all the publicity. I was prepared to stay up with them all night last night in the freezing rain but couldn't. I have blankets, hay, etc but now I can't even get a response from them.

I really appreciate everyone's concern. I think it is wonderful. But the people you need to contact is the Warren County Ag Extension
201 Locust Street
Suite 10
McMinnville, TN 37110-2125
(931) 473-8484 - Phone

Since I can't get an address for the private investigators, they are now the only officials other than the sheriff's humane officer that can do anything.

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 9:14 pm
Ok, I just got this little bit of information:

"Our ag agent went out there again today (Tuesday) and saw to it that the dead horse was buried and hay was brought in and stored for the 2 remaining. A number of people will be keeping daily watch on these horses. If the situation becomes a problem again, we will ask for outside help, but for now we have to wait and see.

Thank you for the offer of the blankets, but frankly I don't trust these people to keep a close enough eye on these horses to make sure they would not end up entangled.

Riche

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 9:26 pm
Still sounds like a very bad situation. Am so worried for these horses. All the one's in power should make them the first priority as Brenda says. Making sure they are safe and taken care of first, all the legal stuff later...I believe I will call on Wednesday. I'll be respectful, don't worry. Just want to know about the horses....

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 9:32 pm
It is a bad situation but now the people who were trying to help and looking for outside help, no longer want outside help.

You are absolutely right, the horses should be the first priority. Apparently the ag agent doesn't feel they are in need of being confiscated at this point. Obviously he's not looking to press any charges either. He would be the one to call!

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 9:42 pm
I POSTED THIS IN FIRST COMMENT:
WARREN COUNTY EXTENSION: http://warren.tennessee.edu/ ON SITE THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT DEPTS. WITH CONTACT INFO,--SO THEY HAVE BEEN CONTACTED-I MYSELF CONTACTED THEM.

WHY HAVE THESE HORSES (NOT BEEN MOVED TO SAFETY)!

TELL ME SHARI HOW TO GO ABOUT IT THEN AND WE WILL "ALL" DO WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR THESE HORSES--THEY ARE GOING TO--DIE--IF SOMETHING ISN'T DONE!! WHAT IS THE BIG SECRETE?? IT IT SOME PROMINENT CITIZEN OR FAMILY OR GOV. OR COUNTY/CITY WHATEVER INVOLVED IN THE STARVATION OF THESE HORSES??
YOU TALK ABOUT US CAUSING SO MUCH PUBLICITY--WE SURE DID--THAT'S WHAT WE DO HERE AND USALLY SOMEONE WILL GET SOMETHING DONE--UNLIKE THIS SITUATION--THEY RATHER LET THE HORSES DIE!!!

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 10:32 pm
okay, the statement, A PROBLEM AGAIN, they'll call. There IS a problem now, it's not fixed by having hay stored. And if they do not trust them to monitor blankets how are they to be trusted with the horses at all?

I'm sorry, there's animals that starve to death with plenty of food on hand, just not given to them. It needs to be dealth with now.

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 10:39 pm
THERE IS SOMETHING ELSE GOING ON WITH THIS SITUATION--ALL THE SECREACY--WON'T TELL LOCATION--NOTHING DONE FOR THE HORSES--DON'T TRUST THE PEOPLE WATCHING THE HORSES--THE ONLY ONE'S THIS IS HURTING IS THE POOR-FREEZING HORSES--THEY SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO THEM--I DON'T CARE WHO IT IS!

Tuesday December 16, 2008, 11:57 pm
I agree with you Brenda. Something just not right going on with this whole situation. Who are "they" trying to protect? Surely not the horses. I am very worried about those horses. I hope they have the will to live and last long enough to really be helped! So frustrating feeling so helpless!!!

Wednesday December 17, 2008, 6:40 am
Horses are beautiful; we must work together to protect them.

Wednesday December 17, 2008, 7:43 am
I'm with you Brenda but my hands are tied. I don't know why all the secrecy about the address. Perhaps an ad in the paper offering a reward for an anonomous tip??? I've never run into this problem before. Normally when someone reports a case like this they provide the address. Obviously that is the only way I can help!

Wednesday December 17, 2008, 12:22 pm
SOMEBODY--SOMEWHERE HAS TO HELP:

Warren County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff
Jackie Matheny

108 Security Circle
McMinnville, Tennessee 37110
(931)473-7863

The State Veterinarian's Office may be contacted at (615) 837-5120.

The State Veterinarian is responsible for monitoring and protecting animal health in Tennessee. The State Veterinarian also works with private veterinarians, animal pathologists and the state's network of animal disease diagnostic laboratories in identifying diseases and making a definitive diagnosis in cases of animal deaths.


TNN. Animal Health: For more information, contact this service at (615) 837-5120.


Contact Us
SPCA of Tennessee
PO Box 1014
Brentwood, Tennessee 37024-1014
Phone: 615-354-3531
Email: Celina@spcatn.org
http://www.spcatn.org

Wednesday December 17, 2008, 1:01 pm
HORSE HAVEN OF TENNESSEE: http://www.horsehaven.net/ComplaintSheet.htm

Tennessee's Oldest and Largest Equine Humane Organization - 501(c)(3)

Mission Statement:
To advocate for, rescue, protect, and defend our God-given equine
from abuse and neglect in Tennessee.


PLEASE GO HERE AND FILE A COMPLAINT--NOTHING IS BEING DONE TO HELP THESE HORSES!

Wednesday December 17, 2008, 5:10 pm
I have been in contact with Nina at Horse Haven. They are one of the investigators that I have mentioned but once again, they cannot do anything without an address. 1000 complaints does no good without an address. It just cost them more time dealing with them all for nothing. They are aware of the situation and are waiting for an address.

The Sheriff's office may or may not have a humane officer who is qualified and has the authority to do anything. They usually just refer cases to the ag agents as the ag agent's investigation is required for charges to stick and they will not normally order removal of an animal without the ag agent warranting the necessity. Once they are advised by the ag agents that it is in the best interest of the animal to have them removed, then they will be on hand to help facilitate the move and make sure there are no problems from the owners. The sheriff's office isn't about to release any address information any more than the ag agent is.

Wednesday December 17, 2008, 6:04 pm
Here are the statutes that basically put the ag agents in charge. "Societies" (ie: humane society) only have jurisdiction for non-livestock animals and under these statutes ALL equines are considered livestock.

Tennessee Cruelty to Animals Statutes
TENNESSEE STATUTES
TITLE 39 CRIMINAL OFFENSES
CHAPTER 14 OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY
Part 2-- Animals

NOTE: THERE IS A MORE PRIOR TO THIS STATUTE THAT SPELLS OUT WHAT IS CONSIDERED CRUELTY ETC. I WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO EMAIL YOU THE ENTIRE STATUTE BUT THIS IS THE PART THAT POINTS OUT THE RESPONSIBILITY ISSUE

39-14-211 Examination of livestock by county agricultural extension agent.
No entry onto the property of another, arrest, interference with usual and customary agricultural or veterinary practices, confiscation, or any other action authorized by this part or any other provision of law shall be taken in response to an allegation that this part has been violated with regard to livestock unless, prior to or at the same time as such action, the livestock in question is examined by the county agricultural extension agent of such county, a graduate of an accredited college of veterinary medicine specializing in livestock practice or a graduate from an accredited college of agriculture with a specialty in livestock. If the extension agent, veterinary college graduate specializing in livestock practice or livestock specialist does not have probable cause to believe that a violation of this part has occurred with regard to such livestock, no action against the owner of such livestock described above shall be taken. If a person authorized by this section does not make an inspection within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of a complaint, then a licensed veterinarian may make such inspection.

Wednesday December 17, 2008, 6:16 pm
This would be all of the contact information for the powers at be who would oversee the local county ag agents:

Administrative Office:
The University of Tennessee
Extension
2621 Morgan Circle
121 Morgan Hall
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
Phone: 865-974-7114
Fax: 865-974-1068

Administration
Deans of Extension



Dr. Tim L. Cross, Dean of Extension
2621 Morgan Circle
120 Morgan Hall
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: (865) 974-7112
Fax: (865) 974-1068
E-mail: tlcross@utk.edu

Dr. H. Charles Goan, Professor and Former Interim Dean of UT Extension
2621 Morgan Circle
121 Morgan Hall
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone : (865) 974-7114
Fax : (865) 974-1068
E-mail: cgoan@tennessee.edu

Dr. Shirley W. Hastings, Associate Dean (Family and Consumer Sciences)
2621 Morgan Circle
122 Morgan Hall
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: (865) 974-7384
Fax: (865) 974-1068
E-mail: hastings@utk.edu





Administrative Staff
Bowers, Debby F. — Administrative Specialist

Byrd III, William H. — Assistant to Dean

Chesney (Dr), Clyde E. — Administrator - 1890 Extension Programs (TSU)

Dodson, Glenda B. — Administrative Specialist

Donaldson, Joseph L. — Extension Specialist I

Dunnett, Leslie — Administrative Specialist

Fawver, Timothy P. — Budget Director

Fehling, Lois A. — Accounting Specialist

Kitts, Missy — Administrative Coordinator

McClain, Sharon M. — Accounting Specialist

Mehall, Diane — Administrative Specialist

Moore, Alice Ann — Director - 4-H

Mullins, Betty R. — Administrative Specialist I

Voiles, Brenda K. — Administrative Specialist

Welch, Deborah Jones — Administrative Specialist

Wednesday December 17, 2008, 6:51 pm
I just go another update from Riche.

The owners have been ordered to put up a shelter and will be under daily observation to make sure they are adhering to orders from the ag agent.

Riche has also assured me that if orders aren't met and promises aren't kept they will proceed to go over the ag agent's head.

Wednesday December 17, 2008, 11:11 pm
ASK HER HAS A VET BEEN "YET" TO LOOK AT THE HORSES--IF ONE IS ALREADY DEAD--THE OTHER TWO HAVE TO BE IN BAD SHAPE-FEED & SHELTER (I CAN IMAGINE WHAT KIND) ARE NOT ENOUGH FOR THESE HORSES!

Thursday December 18, 2008, 12:54 am
THE AG. AGENT IS COVERING SOMEONE'S @SS AN IS NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING--THE HORSES NEED A VET & RESCUE! THEY SHOULD HAVE "ALREADY" GONE OVER HIS HEAD! THIS IS UNBELIEVEABLE!!

Thursday December 18, 2008, 5:31 pm
Ask who? Me? If so, no, to my knowledge a vet has not seen the horses. Perhaps you have misread the last sentence of the the statute referring to the inspection by a vet. Here it is again:

If a person authorized by this section does not make an inspection within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of a complaint, then a licensed veterinarian may make such inspection.

The horses were inspected by the ag agent. Therefore there is no authority for a vet to make an investigation in the case. A vet would not even be legally authorized to go on the property. I don't like the laws but I have to obey them. The vets certainly aren't going to knowingly break the laws and they are well aware of them.

Secondly, food and shelter is exactly what these horses need. It is common practice to first try to assist and educate the current owners so they are able to properly care for their animals without having to confiscate them. Alternate resources are offered and made available to them but if they are able to make the necessary adjustments to provide for their animals that is always the 1st choice for the ag agents.

Horses die everyday for all kinds of reasons. No one knows the actual cause of death for the horse that died. It could have been very old, had cancer or some other disease where it was unable to keep weight on. Unlike humans, horses do not have the option of hospice. As an owner you either choose to let them live out their life naturally or have them put down. But that is the owner's choice. I didn't have that option with my mother. I was forced to let her live out her life and basically starve to death. She had parkinson's and came to a point where she was a vegetable and couldn't eat anymore. Should I have kept her alive with tubes? Should these owners have spent tens of thousands to keep an old dying horse alive?

Yes, maybe it was cruelly starved to death, but just maybe there was more to it. We will never know now. All we can do now is hope the other two get the food and shelter they need. From what I hear, that is exactly what they are getting.

Good citizens rescue horses all the time. Go down to our every Tuesday night auction and you will see lots of really skinny horses. I have skinny horses on my property from time to time that I have taken in. People often jump to conclusions when they drive by. I don't exactly have a big sign out that says HORSE RESCUE DROP YOUR UNWANTED HORSE OFF ANYTIME. Around here that is exactly what they have been doing. Go to the auction with an empty trailer looking for a horse and you wont even have to bid on one. When you get out to your truck to go home you will have a couple horses already left in your trailer for you!

We have had drastic hay shortages and people are desperate. Lets just hope this works out for these horses.

If you want to do something to really make a difference, you may want to consider taking an hour away from your computers and actually go out and visit a local shelter or horse rescue and make a donation of feed or hay. Its not hard to find people willing to sit around and send emails or write letters but getting them to actually make a donation or volunteer some of their time doing actual labor is another thing altogether!

I work 14 hour days just to keep my small rescue going and financially supported. It is very important to me and the center of my life. Yes, these situations are very frustrating for me but I cannot give up.

Sorry for the book. I'm done now.

Thursday December 18, 2008, 5:58 pm
ALREADY READ ALL THAT--THE AG. AGENT "IS NOT" GOING TO DO ANYTHING TO HELP THE HORSES OR HE WOULD HAVE ALREADY DONE SO--THE OWNERS "THAT STARVED THEM TO DEATH IN THE FIRST PLACE" SHOULD BE MADE TO PAY FOR A VET TO EXAMINE THE REMAINING 2! THIS IS A PITIFUL DEAL FOR THE HORSES! DISGUSTING AN INHUMANE!

Thursday December 18, 2008, 6:17 pm
YOUR COMMENT: If you want to do something to really make a difference, you may want to consider taking an hour away from your computers and actually go out and visit a local shelter or horse rescue and make a donation of feed or hay. Its not hard to find people willing to sit around and send emails or write letters but getting them to actually make a donation or volunteer some of their time doing actual labor is another thing altogether!

FYI: WE ARE FEEDING/CARING FOR 22+ ANIMALS--6 HORSES--LLAMA--DONKEY--GOATS--DOGS--MY DAUGHTER GOES TO THE HOESE SALE EVERY SAT. NIGHT AFTER WORKING 6 DAYS EVERY WEEK AND ALWAYS BRINGS SOMETHING HOME--USUALLY A HORSE OR TWO--WHAT SHE DON'T HAVE ROOM FOR--I TAKE & EVENTUALLY FIND HOMES FOR--MY HUSBAND LOST HIS GOOD JOB OF 14 YRS. 6 MO. AGO AND HAS ANOTHER JOB PAYING HALF THE SALARY--I AM ON COMPLETE DISABILITY AFTER A BAD HORSE ACCIDENT! YOU TELLING US TO "ACTUALLY" GO OUT OR TAKE A "HOUR" AWAY FROM OUR COMPUTERS AND DO SOMETHING! YOU ARE TALKING TO "ANIMAL ACTIVIST" NOT A BUNCH OF IDIOTS WITH NO ANIMALS!

Its not hard to find people willing to sit around and send emails or write letters but getting them to actually make a donation or volunteer some of their time doing actual labor is another thing altogether!

THERE ARE MANY HERE-INCLUDING MYSELF THAT DOESN'T HAVE A SPARE DIME FOR ANYTHING--OUR ANIMALS GET IT ALL--AND WHEN YOU HAVE ANIMALS IT IS DOING SOMETHING CARING FOR THEM! WE ARE HERE TO HELP ANIMALS--EACH IN OUR OWN WAY--SO BE CAREFUL WHEN TELLING US HOW TO GO ABOUT HELPING ANIMALS AND INSINUATING WE DO NOTHING BUT SIT BEHIND A COMPUTER AND SEND EMAILS! WE DO MUCH, MUCH MORE THAN YOU THINK WE DO!

Thursday December 18, 2008, 6:40 pm
Every heard of hoarding? If you dont have the place for an animal, don't "rescue" it. I get calls and emails everyday from people who have "rescued" a horse but can no longer care for it and need to find a home for it. Guess What? It was sicker or lamer than they thought when they "rescued" it. Now they don't want it anymore just like it's previous owners.

So your daughter brings home horses she has no place for?? That's wonderful. Good luck with that. If I took in every horse I got called about I would have over a hundred! You are completely disabled and cant care for your animals?? Your husband lost his job and now works for half the pay? Really? I guess we will all be reading soon about all the animals on your property that need rescueing. I hope you are all so active then!

Keep up the good work! I'll be praying for your animals too.

Signing out for good! If anyone wants updates on these horses, you may contact me directly as I am still in contact and receiving updates on them regularly.

Thursday December 18, 2008, 6:59 pm
Hi Shari -
Brenda has sent you a message: GET OFF MY FUKIN STORY!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry if I messed up your "story". Storytime is for children. This is reality and I am so sorry if you just can't deal with it.

Thursday December 18, 2008, 7:05 pm
You should know by now not to send messages you don't want anyone else to see. Just look what you have already done to your "story".

Thursday December 18, 2008, 7:15 pm
Brenda, You come off as someone who requires acknowledgement from other people. I'm not sure you are about the animals at all.

Funny you gave me a Star in the beginning but now want me "OFF MY FUKIN STORY!!!!!!!!!! "

I don't have anymore time for your childish behavior. I have horse to save!

Thursday December 18, 2008, 8:20 pm
Unbelievable. Okay, I have contact with Richie too. Richie is asking for help and advice. Richie also places these horses at a 2 on the scale. There is to much misinformation being supplied. Much of what you say Shari goes against what I am hearing from Richie. Richie put out a cry for help and people responded. I sent email to the ag ext that Brenda supplied. I also know full well from working in this very job that many cases fall through the cracks as this one seems to be. Its nearing Christmas and they just do not want to deal with it. It's a shame but to get on here blasting people for trying to do the very thing Richie asked for, which is help, is uncalled for. Someone is covering for somebody. I can smell it a mile away and have seen it many a time. People being put above the law because of their name or stature is wrong yet it continues.
Just as agents not wanting to be bothered with paperwork not doing their job should not be tolerated. An ag agent not following through and letting a horse die on property he inspected is a crime in itself and that person needs to be reprimanded and be taken out of that job.
It takes people to change laws and that is what needs to be done. For public safety even the horses should be examined by a vet. So on what you are saying that there could be something wrong.. Yes, exactly, lack of care and lack of vet care these horses could be diseaed, which can only be determined by blood work. The ag agent is dropping the ball. Not only are these horses in danger, but the lack of followup and vet care could put many a horse in danger. The fact they had to make the people bury the horse, geeze, come on, can you not see there is something seriously messed up with the whole situation? The horse should have been removed and necropsy done. When it reaches that level, that there are dead animals lying on property it is beyond telling them to provide care and vet attention should be ordered by the ag agent at the owners expense.

Friday December 19, 2008, 1:59 pm
THANK YOU MELODY--WHAT I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO SAY FOR A WEEK! SHARI--ALL YOU HAVE DONE ON THIS STORY IS PUT BLAME ON THE MEMBERS HERE FOR GETTING HELP FOR THE HORSES--IT'S THEIR FAULT FOR SENDING EMAILS/LETTERS/PHONE CALLS--RICHE SEND OUT AN URGENT MAIL FOR HELP AND THAT IS WHAT WE DID AND WHAT WE DO. YOU DON'T COME NEW TO CARE2 AND START THROWING BLAME--SO FAR YOU HAVE FOUND OUT "ABSOLUTELY NOTHING" ABOUT THE LOCATION OR HELP FOR THE HORSES. AS FOR WHAT MY DAUGHTER AND I DO FOR ANIMALS--IT'S CALLED SAVING THEIR LIFE--NOT HOARDING OR WHATEVER ELSE YOU SAY--THEY DON'T NEED YOUR PRAYERS EITHER--THEY ARE ALL FAT & HEALTHY & HAPPY! I AM DISABLED/NOT HELPLESS--I WORK/FEED/CARE/DOCTOR(IF NEEDED) ON MY ANIMALS EVERYDAY. BUT--I ALSO CALL MY VER OUT-IF NEEDED FOR ANY OF THEM! A SHAME THE PEOPLE OF TENN. WON'T DO THE SAME FOR THE STARVING HORSES!

Friday December 19, 2008, 2:13 pm
I DON'T MIND ANYONE SEEING MY MESSAGE TO YOU--BUT IT IS AGAINST C2 RULES TO POST A C2 PRIVATE MESSAGE. YOU HAVE TALKED TO OUR MEMBERS LIKE WE ARE A BUNCH OF DO NOTHING IDIOTS--WE ARE NOT!

MELODY, SINCE YOU ARE IN CONTACT WITH RICHE AND "REALLY" KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING--PLEASE LET US KNOW IF THE HORSES GET HELP.

Friday December 19, 2008, 3:45 pm
I don't think you are a bunch of idiots at all. I am just telling you the way it is. I would be happy to forward Riche's emails to you if you do not believe me. I know he asked for help but now he is sorry he did because of all of the emails.

I copied his emails on this post but if you dont beleive me just send me your email addresses and I would be happy to forward them to you.

Once again, sorry you can't handle the truth.

Saturday December 20, 2008, 1:03 pm
Thank you Patrcia McCaskill for stepping up to the plate too. Yes I know it will help. Some people just like cutting other people down when I know they are real animal actvist and work very hard at it. These people who do these kind of thing to animals need to be starved themselves, they are nice warm and full hua?

Tuesday December 23, 2008, 5:35 pm
Shari, You most certainly have not been here very long! Brenda has done more than you can ever imagine! And I kiss no ones ass!!! We read her posts and go to work doing everything we can! And that includes every type of animal that's been harmed! We are a tireless group of good people! How dare you! Joy, I'm with you, starve the humans, see how they like it!