I believe that a correct response to irresponsible behaviour on a lesser scale, such as riding a yearly, is an informative yet not unfriendly letter. In these instances the person may not know. When I was young everyone had barbwire fences so I didn't learn than this was inappropriate fencing for a horse until a later. We all live and learn. But what about the abuser who doesn't call AC and let's their horses starve to death. How do you responded?
Here's an example: Someone starves or uses abusive training practices on horse. This person is tried and convicted so there no question about culpability. The person is not mentally ill and they are being callous to win prize money. Is it ok in this circumstance for the Fugly followers to send frank or abusive letters to the criminal? Where do you draw the line?
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A few years ago, I was part of a group of dog people who decided to help someone who had turned the corner from rescuer to hoarder. She had something like 12 dogs and over 30 cats, she'd lost several jobs due to severe lack of social skills and she was in the process of being evicted. Her animals were on the thin side but not so thin they were definitely too thin, they weren't groomed regularly, dog's toenails were constantly really long. I'd say she was a borderline case.
ReplyDeleteSo, one woman was willing to let her stay at her house for the long term. She could keep her dogs but the cats had to be re-homed and various members of the group got it done. She had to go to counselling, which we paid for since she'd lost her health insurance long before. She also had to go to the doctor and get her various chronic health conditions treated.
The woman who let her stay helped her with dog care by doing regular, routine kinds of stuff like feeding and grooming on a schedule. Over a period of several months, the dogs all got groomed and stayed that way. They gained a little weight and a lot of condition because we paid for high quality dog food.
And that was the key: we paid for everything we said she had to do. Yeah, it was really expensive but each of us donated what we could and somehow we managed to make it work.
It was three years before she got a job but it took that long for her to learn social skills. She was in weekly counselling for her mental health issues and in weekly rehabilitation to help her develop job skills. We also got her into classes about handling money, how to budget, how to save, etc. We didn't just say "you have to go to this class" one of us went with her so that she didn't have to face it alone.
She continued living with the one woman for another two years, five years total. At that point, a house nearby came available for rent and we helped her with the deposit.
It's been six years since then and she is doing well. She now has four dogs but doesn't have any cats because she says she realises they are too much of a temptation to keep getting just one more. Her dogs are in terrific condition and she competes with them in obedience and agility.
The deposit on her house was the last significant financial help she needed but we've told her that if she needs help, all she has to do is let us know. We don't want her to go under again.
It was quite a project and there were times when I didn't know if we could pull it off. It sure wasn't fast or easy.
I remain convinced, though, that it was the best solution for everyone. She wasn't evil or horrible, she was someone who had a succession of misfortunes, including mental illness, and needed help, not scorn.
Grainne Dhu, you and the rest of that group forever have my admiration and respect. Applause for you all around. God bless you all.
ReplyDelete~DK
GD,
ReplyDeleteAnyone with a mental health issues needs a family to support them and stand by them. This is a great story. Love you guys.
Yes, it depends on the circumstances.
ReplyDeleteBut, what about those that set dogs on fire for fun. Their opinion is that it's just a dog and anyone that doesn't like it should STFU. How do you respond to this.
I know recently in our area, a dog was hung from a swing set & killed in order to get revenge on another man that had been dating ths dude's old girlfriend, he was found and prosecuted to the full extent of the law and did receive some years in prison.......It was all over our local news.
ReplyDeleteThere are those "abusers" that are not malicious , either confused or ovewhelmed . those often can be taught and helped (the key is helped) to do right by the animals .And then tohere are the ones who clearly know better and are acting out of malice or a sense of "the rules don't apply to me" those are incorrigable and seem to require prosecution to stop if they ever will
ReplyDeleteI think people (and especially kids) who maliciously abuse animals should receive IMMEDIATE attention. And by that, not just "prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law" but also equal time in counseling, therapy with their whole family, whatever to try and reach this person. Especially kids. My husband is a criminal trial lawyer. It is common knowledge that most kids that are sentenced to go to "juvey" end up hardened criminal after their stint in "hard time." It is a very sad state of being.
ReplyDeleteWhat type of letter would you send to adults who abuse animals for entertainment or profit?
ReplyDeleteWhat type of letter would you send to adults who abuse animals for entertainment or profit?
ReplyDeleteA registered letter advising them of their next court date (i hope)
Those people are not likely going to listen to reasonable education (esp those who abuse for entertainmen) that selfish and self gratifying behavior is beyond simple education to improve .
For someone who sadistically tortures an animal versus neglect or hoarding, I do believe they should be prosecuted, so my first call would be 911.
ReplyDeleteBut I also believe that someone like that needs an extensive mental health evaluation, appropriate therapy and support with supervision.
I think it is the "support" part that sticks in many people's craws. Why support someone who has done such a horrifying thing? My answer is that stress tends to worsen such behaviour and I believe that this is supported by research. Therapy for someone who could do such an act is going to be long, difficult and intensive, it just makes sense to reduce stress from other sources as much as possible in order to set them up to succeed.
I'd rather be building a top quality mental health system than building more prisons.
GD said "I think it is the "support" part "
ReplyDeleteNo, I think it's the supervision part. Who else can live someone's life? Who will pay to supervise? Financial support and proper care, yes, but supervise?
There's a job, huh?
A little off-topic, sorry. The latest fugly blog gives me the impression that when her "stallion" doesn't place well in show, it will be because she's been blackballed. So it won't be her fault when the poor guy is a dud... nice set-up. I don't like her but I have to admit she has skillz like a used-car salesman.
ReplyDeleteHey, if Shatormar is still reading, I'm curious to know what's going on with fugs and what you were talking about with the police and your attorney?
ReplyDeleteAnon: I had to go and skim over her blog, too. I saw that jab you were speaking of. *Clucks tongue*
~Dk
The real horse people have never heard of her.
ReplyDeletehoarding is a mental health issue, I agree. Have you ever watched Animal Planet's Animal Cops? The hoarders are in tears when their animals are removed, yet it is an illness and they absolutely do need help.
ReplyDeleteFor blatant cruelty, yes, AC or the county law enforcement needs to get involved. They should be fully prosecuted. There was a local story regarding a donkey at a children's farm - the staff found him dead one morning. He'd been tortured and strangled by three teens. The state swiftly punished them and put a law into effect named after this donkey- Pasado's Law. Animal cruelty is treated as a felony in the state of Washington, and is punishable by up to five years incarceration and a large fine. I still remember that sweet Pasado. We took our kids over to visit him often.
-paddy
Quite a few times the Humane Society has been called in to "rescue" animals, whether they are dogs/cats or horses. Fugs is an avid fan of HSUS, isn't she??
ReplyDeleteWell, read this:
http://humanewatch.org/
Press release: “Racketeering Lawsuit Fingers Humane Society of the United States”
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm, very interesting.
Read fugly's post today ,funny, whatever happened to "Out the asshats ! Name names!" as her battle cry? Now its "You out the asshats ! I need to ass kiss to get my horse a show record?"
ReplyDeleteAnonymous wrote: Quite a few times the Humane Society has been called in to "rescue" animals, whether they are dogs/cats or horses. Fugs is an avid fan of HSUS, isn't she??
ReplyDeleteI could never figure out how on earth she could hook up with HSUS and claim with a straight face that she believes in rescue.
Doesn't everyone know by now that HSUS has condemned thousands of seized dogs to death? That's right. Their standard testimony in cases of dogs seized in dog fighting cases was to euthanize every single dog, even puppies as young as six weeks because they were "too unpredictable and too great a risk."
It wasn't until the Michael Vick case that a group of dog trainers got together and managed to convince the court to give those dogs a chance before just euthanising them.
Surprise! Out of 50 dogs seized, 48 were able to be rehabilitated. That's actually better odds than the average municipal shelter population.
The problem was not a lack of people willing to do the rehab work. The problem was that when little known local dog trainers went to court against a hugely funded, extremely famous organisation, judges went with what HSUS recommended. Even in the Vick case, it took three days of court time to fight HSUS.
Whenever I hear about a dog lover donating to HSUS, I just shake my head. How can they possibly support HSUS? And how can anyone who is involved in animals in any way support an organisation with such a poor record in at least one area?
I think that many people don't know about HSUS's history. They see rescue and they assume that what this organization does from start to finish.
ReplyDeleteHere's an example: Someone starves or uses abusive training practices on horse. This person is tried and convicted so there no question about culpability. The person is not mentally ill and they are being callous to win prize money. Is it ok in this circumstance for the Fugly followers to send frank or abusive letters to the criminal? Where do you draw the line?
ReplyDeleteI would say to the fuglysheep bleeting at the abusive person, that no, it isn't right. Because after all is said and done, that person has already been tried by a real court of law and sentenced by a real court of law. For the sheep to harrass them is really unnecessary.
ReplyDelete~DK
For BHM's example, I do not think they need to be harrassed. I do not think any harrassment of the individual does any good (think flys and honey) and that authorities should be the ones people work with. If it is the case of a mentally ill hoarder, the appropriate social agency in conjunction with animal care will get better results. If authorities are slow, media and other information push might be necessary but harrassing the person is not going to do anything but potentially put the animals in additional jeopardy.
ReplyDeleteSince when has harrassment EVER produced a good result on its own? Usually it is the innocent who get hurt from that type of mob mentality.
BHM, great post! This one really made me think.
The reason Fugs is trying to bed down with the HSUS is because they are all about the same thing. Both collect $$$ but only a small portion actually goes to the animals. Quick buck from people that think their money actually is helping when in fact, it is lining someone else's pocket. Take a look at the money donated for the animal victims of Katrina by the HSUS. Less than 10% was actually used for animal rescue.
ReplyDeleteWhat I think the Fugly members should focus on is restorative justice program for animal abusers. An effective venue can be created for community members to express hurt and anger where the out come is beneficial. Too much of the energy on FHOTD is directed towards name calling rather than community action which can change the situation for the better.
ReplyDeletePiRi explores restorative sessions
— filed under: Limitations, Theory
from Sue Klassen's article in the newsletter of Partners in Restorative Initiatives (PiRi):
PiRI is exploring the possible use of Restorative Sessions, based on research conducted by Lorenn Walker in the Pono Kaulike program in Hawaii. This pilot program, which reportedly achieved a nearly 50% drop in recidivism and high satisfaction from participants, combined traditional restorative conferencing procedures with Restorative Sessions, meetings that allow offenders to discuss their situations even when their victims decide against joining in the process.
Like PiRI’s work in the Town Courts, the Pono Kaulike program deals with misdemeanor level cases in which many victims choose not to participate.
For some, the harm they experienced may not warrant the time and effort participation would take. Others want to have input, but do not want to meet face-to-face. Victims often cannot be reached due to faulty contact information or being in prison themselves. Although our first choice is always to bring together victims, offenders and community members in a safe, respectful process, restorative goals can still be addressed by meeting with a more limited group of those willing and able to participate.
“As the Pono Kaulike pilot program developed, it became apparent that there was a need for other restorative interventions that did not require face-to-face meetings between all of the involved parties,” Walker writes in her paper “Pono Kaulike: Reducing Violence with Restorative Justice and Solution-Focused Approaches,” which was published in Federal Probation.
When victim involvement is not possible, facilitators hold a Restorative Session with the offender, inviting him or her to bring supporters. In the session, they explore together what happened, who was affected and how, and ideas for repairing the harm and moving forward in a good way.
Restorative Conversations are offered to victims to help them cope with the effects of a crime when offender participation is not possible.
“The need for the restorative conversation arises from no one being identified as a perpetrator, or no one admits guilt, or the victim simply not wishing to meet with the offender,” Walker writes.
One of the keys to the Pono Kaulike program was the use of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). This therapy focuses on what participants want to achieve, rather than on the past. Offenders work with their supporters to identify their preferred future and to discuss what steps they can take, based on their own strengths and resources, to fulfill that future. Participants use these tools to build an effective Restorative Plan, which is submitted to the court.
“Solution-focused approaches are empowering and considered a best practice by the federal government,” Walker writes (OJJDP, 2008).
Read the whole article.
Anon,
ReplyDeleteCan you write up an article about the problems with HSUS?
I think a separate program should be set up for hoarders. I'm not sure what it is, but a jail term is not likely to have much effect. Any ideas on how this program should work?
ReplyDeleteVery astute comments. In the case of hoarders, attacks are worse than useless, as the attacks justify the mindset of isolation, fear, lack of social skills, and paranoia that create the hoarder's problems in the first place. GD, you and your friends are an amazing group!
ReplyDeleteDifferent causes need different fixes.
Some one who abuses animals for money or show should be banned from showing for life. You hear me Boggs, Wells, etc????? Or do some time and get publicly humiliated, ala Vicks.
Our neighbors had some frighteningly thin horses, I took over feed and books and they had began the process of getting them back up to weight. (Another amateur idea that a few blades of grass constitute pasture.) In the meantime another person had called Animal Control. They were fined and humiliated, and guess what? They were so afraid of public reaction and ashamed that they promptly got both horses so fat they foundered. Now where was the AC when the horses were morbidly obese?!
I find letter writing campaigns to supposed abusers kind of creepy. If you don't know the person or the circumstances it's way too easy to be sucked in to personal vendettas.
I think society has gotten way too involved in the "ranting white men" commentators' way of thinking. They keep offering things to be angry about, without suggesting solutions.
BHM said: "What I think the Fugly members should focus on is restorative justice program for animal abusers. An effective venue can be created for community members to express hurt and anger where the out come is beneficial. Too much of the energy on FHOTD is directed towards name calling rather than community action which can change the situation for the better."
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful idea, BHM. Restorative justice really can heal wounds and can work to help connect the perpetrator to the outcomes of his or her crime.
Kestral said: "I find letter writing campaigns to supposed abusers kind of creepy. If you don't know the person or the circumstances it's way too easy to be sucked in to personal vendettas.
I think society has gotten way too involved in the "ranting white men" commentators' way of thinking. They keep offering things to be angry about, without suggesting solutions."
Yes and yes. My issue with letter-writing campaigns to supposed perpetrators of truly sickening and violent crimes is that you are now on that person's radar, and I don't think that's a smart plan. The reason we support law enforcement with our tax dollars is to make sure that we are protected from those who seek to harm us. The justice system, though flawed and imperfect, does its job to a large extent, and we need to let that happen. There are some people you don't want to know, trust me.
Plus, until all the evidence is collected and understood, we can't know what's really happening. Vigilante justice is the antithesis of a reasoned, thoughtful approach to a problem. Kestral, you are spot-on when you talk about personal vendettas. I mean, look at Dena's tack situation. She has proof that she didn't knowingly commit a crime, but a lot of people were ready to string her up on the nearest tree and watch her die.
Offering solutions is the key to this problem. Yelling at people and ranting and shaming are not remedying the problem. In fact, I would argue these approaches are making it worse.
I believe we can balance our outrage and our compassion. The two are not mutually exclusive. I can be outraged and angry even as I'm offering compassionate understanding of the situation. That doesn't mean I'm going to excuse the perpetrator--I believe in personal responsibility--but I can't see how hate on top of hate is really doing any of us any good.
"I find letter writing campaigns to supposed abusers kind of creepy. If you don't know the person or the circumstances it's way too easy to be sucked in to personal vendettas."
ReplyDeleteGreat point. That's why it needs to be done in conjunction with a program that provides trained supervisor that can direct the process. I think that spewing rage is useless. I will further this by saying it's harmful as it misdirects energy away from working towards a solution.
Isn't GD's group wonderful.
"I think society has gotten way too involved in the "ranting white men" commentators' way of thinking. They keep offering things to be angry about, without suggesting solutions."
ReplyDeleteSo true. Great observation.
Fugly's blog is like a train wreck you can't look away from. I was reading through her comments and see her and her buddies advocating tying the horse's head around up to 15 minutes to teach it to give.
ReplyDeleteOne of my horses wouldn't do this so we had the chiropractor out. His back needed adjusting, once this was done he was fine after some strengthening. Hmm, your horse won't (probably because he physically can't) bring his head around so lets tie him in this position. Wasn't the main article on outing abusive training techniques????
If you can't touch your toes does it make sense to be tied in that position so you can touch your toes? No, you stretch over time and build up to it. Animals are the same way. Since she says her trainer does this I am now beginning to question this trainer's "gentle" methods.
bhm wrote: Here's an example: Someone starves or uses abusive training practices on horse. This person is tried and convicted so there no question about culpability. The person is not mentally ill and they are being callous to win prize money. Is it ok in this circumstance for the Fugly followers to send frank or abusive letters to the criminal? Where do you draw the line?
ReplyDeleteIt is not okay with me to write frank or abusive letters to the criminal. How does that help in any way?
Why not set the criminal up for success? They've already been tried and found guilty, having a conviction on their record will make the rest of their life more difficult. Piling on punishment can only make them more angry and more likely to strike out at the next target.
I'd much rather that someone with that sort of conviction get the opportunity to develop empathy and ethics.
The world does not need any more angry, spiritually impoverished people.
I caught that bit about "tying is okay, as long as it's just for a little while". Yeah, right. So, Fugs, next time you put your back out trying to pat it, what say we tie you up into a position to help you stretch and leave you that way for 15 minutes.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe Fugly saying that's OK. I remember, back in the day, when she would go after trainers who used that technique. I just tried to find the post where she blasted someone, but I can't seem to locate it.
ReplyDeleteCan someone find me a quote.
ReplyDeleteGD,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100%. Abuse creates anger and resistance. What do you think about a mediated process like restorative justice that isn't a bashing session?
I understand that there is a new blog coming by a young woman professional who actually makes her living riding horses. Maybe 2-3 months and will not be everyday because of time constraints.
ReplyDeletebhm, what were you looking for a quote on?
ReplyDeleteI'm looking for quotes that state fugs' relationship and view on HSUS and HSUS' problems.
ReplyDeleteI'm also looking for the quote that state Fugs' opinion of tying a horse's neck to the side.
Good luck wallowing through all that mess, bhm. I wouldn't know where to begin looking other than at the beginning.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do believe there are those that need help, those who are intentional have pretty much stated their place in life. If you want to turn around, you start from square one. You don't go back to where you were, that's like giving an arsonist matches, IMO.
Though there are times where you have to be the bad guy, where you have to call somebody to get animals out of a bad situation. Those in question could find out it was you, and imagine their backlash for you doing something right. Sometimes you do have to piss somebody off.
bhm wrote: Abuse creates anger and resistance. What do you think about a mediated process like restorative justice that isn't a bashing session?
ReplyDeleteConducted properly, I think it has a good chance to succeed.
How can people change if they don't admit to what they have done and don't understand the ramifications of their actions? The way the justice system in the US is set up, it encourages people to deny their own actions because the consequences of admitting them are so dire.
The truth commissions in South Africa were not perfect but they helped people who had suffered terrible things live in peace alongside people who had done those terrible things. That, to me, seems like a good outcome. None of us can dial back time and re-do the past, the important thing is to find a way to live peaceably in the future.
bhm, you can search a topic on Fugly blog(top line) and it will show posts related to the search
ReplyDeleteHer first about tying was "I'm also not opposed to tying in moderation. 15, 20 minutes, fine. Not hours and certainly not days."
ReplyDeleteA responder asked what good it did and fugly's response was: It teaches them to give to either side without a fight and makes it easier to do the same thing from the saddle. They learn to simply give their nose to relieve the pressure and then do so willingly for the rider. My trainer does it with halter, not even a bit.
Lisa says:
ReplyDeleteFebruary 22, 2010 at 9:10 pm
“Heck, I’m not out there calling them out at the top of my lungs, either..."
"How does the saying go? “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
fhotd says:
February 23, 2010 at 11:28 am
Sorry if I’m not doing enough to suit you, but of course, feel free to take whatever approach you feel is most effective in dealing with the issue. I will do likewise.
How do you say "hypocrite"? How do you say "sit behind your safe computer and send possibly deranged readers out on a vendetta?" How do you say "Vigilante justice"? How do you say "hate crime"? How about "Pontius (my hands are clean, I've done nothing wrong) Pilate"
Animal abuse comes in several forms
1) Ignorance. People move out to the country and get their kids a pony. Don't really know how to take care of them but they are not ill intentioned. Generally they can be taught if you don't attack them.
2) Mental illness. These folks can be Horders (a form of OCD, by the way. Real OCD is not fun like on Monk.) Schizophrenic, (they aren't nearly as much fun as seen on TV either. Some times meds work, sometimes they don't, some time the meds work for a while...) Depressive (doing fine till they had an episode that there meds couldn't control) or have dementia, (had been fine but their support person, husband, friend, child, died or moved....)
Shaming or harassment isn't going to work.
3) Vicious people. Folks who know what they are doing is wrong, but either enjoy hurting, have lost control or are doing it for money. Don't think that shaming or harassment will help those folk either.
I have no answers. The problem of evil and what to do about it exists. Report it when you see it, document, keep calm and don't denigrate,resort to hyperbole name calling or threats. Report facts (I saw Kathy Atcins hit a buckskin horse with a two by four on the left front knee 7 times at the state fair ground on Saturday the 12 of February at 3:55 pm. Here is the photo I took with my cel phone. Please note there were no labels such as beat, cruel, vicious, unwarranted... All those terms are labels and are subject to debate as to their meaning.
After reading all the comments, I kept wondering where was the evidence? I'm willing to believe in the horse abuse at big name shows, I haven't seen it.
ReplyDeleteI rather doubt that Ponykins @
February 22, 2010 at 10:09 am saw "9.)... Went to see The real Lippizans ... and saw 6 inch dripping bloody whip mark on the flanks on a snow white stallion as he entered the ring for their opening ceremony."
How come no one else saw it? Usually those type things were held at the Caps center. Lots o eyes and cameras.
If there is such blatant abuse why isn't there more evidence? Fugs seems to back pedal a bit when some one who was there
acase says:
February 22, 2010 at 11:04 am
you didn’t happen to go to the show at tha Tac Unit, did you? I went on Saturday and saw a lot of what you’re talking about.
fhotd says:
February 22, 2010 at 11:38 am
Yeah, we were at that show. That’s exactly what sparked this blog. You probably saw the same display of asshattery that I did.
behindthebarns says:
February 22, 2010 at 11:49 am
I was there for part of the day, but didn’t see anything egregious. Mostly, it was the bob-and-hop lopers being checked constantly, but I never saw anyone really go to town and make a huge spectacle, like I’ve seen before. I didn’t see any furious spurring or outright whacking. Like I said, I was only there a few hours, and more toward the covered warmup than outside warmup. Mostly, what I saw was huge traffic congestion and the typical being cut off thing by other riders.
fhotd says:
February 22, 2010 at 12:40 pm
I only saw one really bad total spectacle (the one that involved the horse falling all the way down), and one particular youth temper tantrum on the English day. But yeah, plenty of bob, hop and pop ‘em in the mouth.
Which isn't what the video described at all. In the video there were strips of raw bleeding flesh hanging off the horses.
Umm, I just keep thinking that any BNT will have competition. And that the competition would want to to show the abuse.
I have never set foot in a Western barn of any kind. Maybe the abuse is everywhere and everyone knows about it and dismisses it. I don't know. I just keep hearing that old song" You can tell the one who boozes by the company he chooses. ...
dripping blood from a whip mark on a Lippizaner? Give me a freaking break!!!
ReplyDeletefhotd says:
ReplyDeleteFebruary 22, 2010 at 12:40 pm
I only saw one really bad total spectacle (the one that involved the horse falling all the way down)
Anyone else ever see a horse fall down in a show ring? I did once. A dressage horse managed to step on his own front foot with a hind one. Down he went. Chaos ensued. People running around trying to get the horse up, tugging on the reins and wacking with a whip, others trying to get the rider out from under the horse, People shouting. A mess.
I didn't see the incident that Fugs was talking about, but it it was as chaotic as the fall I saw many years ago it is kind of hard to tell the difference between panicked people and abusive one.
"one particular youth temper tantrum on the English day" This is why I want descriptions of what happened.
"youth temper tantrum" What is a youth? a 4 year old? A 17 year old? a 9 year old?
"temper tantrum" When my Autistic son throws a temper tantrum chairs fly, as do tables and lamps. Get too close to him and he will bite you.
When my 15 year old daughter throws a temper tantrum I feel like I'm eating dinner with the Queen of England "Mother, would you please pass me the whipped potatoes? Thank you" "Do you mind if I leave this hell hole after dinner or do you have plans involving me for postprandial entertainment?"
Both are temper tantrums. The first scares me, the second makes me snicker.
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeletedripping blood from a whip mark on a Lippizaner? Give me a freaking break!!!
------
Did they use barbwire for a whip? I don't think so.
OT from previous topic- here is a link of the typical HSUS fund raising and where the money does not go-
ReplyDeletehttp://www.petconnection.com/blog/2009/12/04/hsus-fund-raising-pitch-raises-hackles/
IRS AUDIT OF HSUS? - - HSUS JUST BLINKED!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Tax Fraud Office of the IRS in Fresno, CA has now received over 2,000 individually addressed letters from concerned citizens in at least 48 different states. Each letter asked the IRS to audit and investigate the alleged excessive and under-reported lobbying activities of the HSUS.
Significantly, more than 1,100 of these letters were documented - - sent by certified mail. This has created a 2,000 pound GORILLA that cannot be ignored, and this GORILLA is asking the IRS to audit the HSUS!
All letters mailed to date document that an irrefutable "NATIONAL OUTCRY"
exists for the IRS to audit the HSUS. That is why I wish to express my profound appreciation for the letter-writing efforts of so many - - with special "THANKS" to those who incurred the extra expense and took the extra time to stand in long lines at the Post Office to send their letters by
Certified Mail. "T-H-A-N-K Y-O-U!!!!!"
So, how has the HSUS reacted to the "Letter-Writing Campaign?" Well, Mr.
Michael Markarian (HSUS Chief Operating Officer - - second only to CEO Wayne
Pacelle) has used the typical "SPIN" of the HSUS for "DAMAGE CONTROL," and purportedly stated: "We feel this is an anemic campaign, and they're
barking up the wrong tree."
By trivializing the "Letter-Writing Campaign," the HSUS just "BLINKED!"
They "spoke out" because they could not ignore the "Campaign" with silence, or the spreading "WILDFIRE" of thousands of letters being sent to the IRS.
This "WILDFIRE" has already unleashed over 2,000 "barking dogs" who are "barking" up the HSUS Tree. In short, the HSUS "response" is a sign of "concern" rather than "confidence!"
A Second Wave of First Class Letters could further fan the flames of the "WILDFIRE" and increase the pressure on the IRS to expeditiously begin an audit and investigation of the alleged excessive and under-reported "Lobbying Activities" of the HSUS, such as the $450,000 "contribution" by the HSUS for the Ballot Initiative effort in Missouri. This "contribution"
was posted on the Missouri Ethics Commission Website on January 6, 2010 - - $450,000 for "Lobbying Activities" rather than direct animal care! . . . . .
. . . Yet another 450,000 reasons for the IRS to begin an audit of the HSUS!
To begin the Second Wave of First Class Letters simply:
1. Write or type a note that says: "I respectfully ask the IRS to
audit and investigate the alleged excessive and under-reported lobbying activities of the Humane Society of the U.S."
2. Put that note or letter in an envelope that is addressed to the
"INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, FRESNO, CA 93888." (No street address or
your return address is needed.)
3. Put a $.44 stamp on the addressed envelope and drop it in the mail
box. That's it! Nothing more!!!
If 2,000+ letters to the IRS could make the HSUS "BLINK," . . . . . stop and think how fast the eyes of the HSUS would be "BLINKING" if a few thousand additional letters were sent to the IRS by even more "barking dogs" who wish to show their presence at the base of the HSUS Tree!
"THIS DOG WILL HUNT!!!!" (Frank Losey)
Wonder what is up with the Missouri Ethics committee that they need sooo much $$$ from the HSUS- I found another donation to the same group-
ReplyDelete2/12/2010 $26,504.50
http://www.moethics.mo.gov/EthicsWeb/CampaignFinance/CF_SearchLrgContr.aspx
Gee, that $26,000 the HSUS gave to the Missouri Ethics Co probably would have fed all the dogs in Haiti.
ReplyDeletehttp://action.humanesociety.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=2101.0&dlv_id=0
Who is the HSUS?
ReplyDeletehttp://activistcash.com/organization_overview.cfm/o/136-humane-society-of-the-united-states
http://consumerfreedom.com/downloads/reference/docs/200810_CCF_7Things_HSUS.pdf
ReplyDeleteSeven things you did not know about the HSUS
fhotd says:
ReplyDeleteFebruary 22, 2010 at 11:38 am
Yeah, we were at that show. That’s exactly what sparked this blog. You probably saw the same display of asshattery that I did.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spanaway-WA/Lope-On-In/64002354497?ref=search&sid=1281974659.1058705380..1
This is the kind of show she is taking BYC to *SNORT*
Not that I'm all for the HSUS, in fact I find their recent campaigning on Television quite disturbing. I will say this, I adopted my pup at 3yrs old and brought her home with kennel cough, spent the money on profilactic treatment for the other 2 dogs in the house in order to take her home that day. My daughter also adopted a kitten from them. I brought in all our history with animals at home, including the health records of all, horses , dogs, cats,, etc. I must say that they were in a state of shock to see that anybody kept such records. The facility in Milwaukee is clean, with many volunteers and I know that I spent a fair amount of money on these adoptions and that it will go into various pockets, as with most charities.I will adopt from there again if I chose to adopt. No ONE can save them all. And one must chose their charities carefully if they give. I don't give unless it is to adopt. I don't give to human charities, except The Salvation Army, the only one that we like. United Way is the same as most, corporate CEO's and VP's with hands out. Simply choose carefully...If you choose to give. As to Fugly followers baraging people with nastiness she parades across her blog? They're morons and most times it will only suit to screw up any thing that they may have hoped to succeed at as far as "outing" someone or whatever. And does anyone really believe what the hell she says anyway? I sure as hell wouldn't. Not the most reliable source. Let the law take it's course.
ReplyDeleteCallie- I am all for shelter adoptions as well as being an informed consumer. The HSUS and your local shelter are not the same thing and the $$$ going to your local shelter are not coming from the HSUS. Please, please go to the web address below and read #1
ReplyDeletehttp://consumerfreedom.com/downloads/reference/docs/200810_CCF_7Things_HSUS.pdf
Seven things you did not know about the HSUS
Callie wrote: Not that I'm all for the HSUS, in fact I find their recent campaigning on Television quite disturbing. I will say this, I adopted my pup at 3yrs old and brought her home with kennel cough, spent the money on profilactic treatment for the other 2 dogs in the house in order to take her home that day.
ReplyDeleteCallie, HSUS has no shelters and does not adopting of animals, despite their heavy advertising that implies they do so. They do not have a trademark on the phrase "humane society" (believe me, they tried), so shelters and humane organisations can use names like "YourCity Humane Society" or "Humane Society of YourCounty."
Some local organisations do choose to become HSUS affiliates, which means that the local organisation pays HSUS dues.
When my local humane society thought about affiliating, quite a while ago, we got a big slick package from HSUS to try to recruit us. On looking at the deal carefully, we would pay $X per year to be able to use the phrase "affiliated with HSUS" and could order slick brochures on various topics to give away. We came away with the strong feeling that money was flowing the wrong way in that deal; why would we take money away from local animals that needed help to send to a national organisation that did not give any actual animals help at all?
HSUS has a multi-million dollar PR campaign going year round which also serves as their spin doctors. They are basically snake oil salesman, using the hard work and energy that goes into many local organisations and implying that such organisations receive help from HSUS, which is exactly the opposite of what happens.
This is called Fraud. How on earth has HSUS been able to get away with this for so long? Any other organization who operated this way would have been crucified, prosecuted and hung out to dry? I'm stunned at the magnitude of HSUS's raping of the American public and reaping the spoils.
ReplyDeleteHSUS needs to be investigated.
ReplyDeleteAhh, Interesting, I did not realize that about the HSUS, Very intersting.......You're right, it's quite deceitful........Glad I don't give to the HSUS.......No wonder the ads irritate me, LOL! Hmmmm....will have a look at that site. Interesting.....indeed
ReplyDeleteAnd you do remember that Fugs was pitching to the HSUS guys, right?
ReplyDeleteBirds of a feather.......
Faces to the names
ReplyDeleteSome of his words make extremely good sense.
That's what saddens me. There is good ideas on both sides of the same common goal, more kindness, less abuse.
Or, of course, my cynical side says more money, yet not much changes.
The police want to know were Fugs is because someone committed criminal tresspass on our property in order to take photos despite the numerous NO Tresspassing, No photos, No videos signs posted Everywhere (as the $!@$! states in her own libelous post about our farm) and she is an accomplice after the fact or may have instigated the criminal act (it is being investigated). They also want to know as I've filed a complaint for criminal harrassment against her with our state police and will be filing another complaint with the police were she is per our attorney's advice. I will also be filing a complaint for discrimination as she obviously targets me because I'm disabled. My attorney is having a field day with this and a lot will be going on soon. I've also contacted anyone else she seems to have targetted for her own agenda and made them aware that they are being targeted. If I can get everyone together, we will be filing suit against her and her webhost provider.
ReplyDeleteTwo years ago, we had my blind pony, Kahlua, murdered when someone struck him with an ATV, roped his back legs and dragged him to death. It was in the news (paper, internet, TV) and over $10,000 in reward money was raised and donated to the Mercer County Humane Society but no one was ever arrested or convicted. After the case was put on the back shelf, not closed but not under active investigation; the reward money was donated to the MCHS. The sad part is the police know who did it but will not pursue it further (perpotrators family is friends with a trooper-BUT the ones responsible have been put in counseling including drug rehab as drugs were involved so I've let it go).
Since Kahua's death, we've been the target of a group of people who apparently have too much time on their hands. They repeatedly filed false reports of abuse and neglect (including taking photos of a 23 year old mare that WAS drastically thin and UNDER VET CARE and claiming those photos were of a 15 year old stallion we have. Both horses were Arabs and grey and that was the only similarity. The mare had dementia and would forget to eat even with food in front of her, she was under vet supervision for several medical conditions and she passed away in her sleep). We decided her care with the vet's help; she wasn't in pain and was happy so we chose not to put her down even though she was thin as the vet felt we could let her go naturally which is what we did. IF she had gotten worse or been in pain we would have euthanized her. Because of the bogus complaints, we had the MCHS and the State Police out to our farm all the time and by our invitation so they could see for themselves that no neglect or abuse was taking place. Last year the Mercer County Humane Society filed a criminal complaint against the group of people who were making the false complaints for criminal harrassment as false reports take resourses (time, money) away from legitimate complaints. That seemed to do the trick. So Fugs claim that we have no animal control is false as we do and they have seen our horses and concluded there is no abuse or neglect-period!
continued....
We have 36 horses total. They are properly housed in large paddocks or fields with run in sheds, 24/7 access to fresh water (year round spring fed creek or water troughs we fill everyday) and fed every day. Horses are seperated by one group of 5 (stallion with 4 mares) in large paddock; 2nd group of 5 (stallion with 4 mares) in large paddock, bachelor band of 8 on 10+ acres; broodmare band of 11 on 40 acres and baby band of 7 (2 two year olds, 3 yearlings and 2 weanlings) in large paddock. Not the enclosures fugs claims in her post. They all get good quality hay that was grown by the farmer we lease the land from (and we have a back up hay sourse if he runs out), grain and supplements based on age/reproductive status/metabolysism. Everyone gets dewormed 4 times a year or more (rotation of ivermectin/pyrantal poemate/ivermectin/combo). Injuries and illnesses are treated and I have the vet bills to prove it! Older horses or hard keepers are blanketed and stabled if necessary.
ReplyDeleteThe farmer we lease the land from has given us the use of more land every year as he scales back his farming due to his health. So he's happy to have us there and we've lease the property for 8 YEARS. The farmer is an older gentleman who is surrounded by family (several generations) plus has a much younger wife. He is in full control of his faculties and was outraged that someone would claim anyone COULD take advantage of him! Another of fugs claims that is an outright lie.
Prior to becoming disabled, I was a veternarian technician. I specialized in horses during school and have worked for equine vets as well as small animal. I know horse health, I've rehabbed abused/neglected horses before. And unlike Fugs I actually did the work and took care of the horse personally.
There are people out there who abuse due to ignorance, mental illness or maliciousness. The ignorant need to be educated, which is one of the things Humane Officers and police do. And people who know animals often help those who don't (vets, other horse owners, etc) The mentally ill need help and assistance. And the malicious need to be locked up.
I think Fugs has a lot of nerve attacking people she doesn't know, doesn't know their situation or their animals. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but that does not allow for the illegal libel and defamation of people who are just going about their lives.
PETA and HSUS are a joke. We support our local Humane Society and a local no kill shelter called Club Pet. I did a fund raiser for Club Pet years ago when I was still working. We've given our local Humane Society the rights to use Kahlua's story including his photos in their fund raising efforts. Even though his killers were never officially "caught" the MCHS did a lot of work to try and catch them. Being a local HO is not an easy job.
ReplyDeleteLast year, I filed a neglect complaint against a neighbor whose horse went from fat over the summer to nothing but bones once winter hit (not being fed, they were tethering him out to GRAZE in snow and the poor thing was trying to find food). Turns out the MCHS has dealt with this guy every few years and he is not supposed to have animals. HE meets anyone who comes out to his property with a gun and a hostile additude. That is not an uncommon occurance for the local agents. Unfortunately he is mentally ill and there is not a whole lot the HS can do about him except take his horse way and slap him with a fine as he doesn't deliberately mistreat his animals. They can't prosecute him since he's not mentally competent to understand the charge.
Unfortunately when the mentally ill don't have family, there is no one to monitor or help them. Most agencies don't have the funds or manpower to do constant supervision and if someone is mentally ill their parenoia may prevent them from accepting help even if it is offered. We were willing to help this guy with his horse and he wouldn't let us (I offered to deworm and feed his horse for the winter).
shatormar wrote: Unfortunately when the mentally ill don't have family, there is no one to monitor or help them. Most agencies don't have the funds or manpower to do constant supervision and if someone is mentally ill their parenoia may prevent them from accepting help even if it is offered.
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree with that. As above, I was fortunate to be part of a group of people who did help someone who was hoarding dogs and cats. Believe me, we didn't set out thinking "oh, we'll just take over complete care of a friend in need for five years." We thought we'd find her assistance, maybe go to a few appointments with her and that would be it.
We found out different. We would have been thrilled to find other sources of help but there just weren't any. She was too high functioning to qualify for many programs, not desperate enough to qualify for others, etc. By "not desperate enough" I mean that we would have had to be willing to see her homeless and not given her any assistance at all in order for her to qualify for some of the housing and aid programs.
Well, we just weren't willing to do that. I hope no one here would be willing to see a friend go homeless and refuse to offer assistance in order to qualify that person to go on a waiting list. That's just not the right thing to do and I question the health of a society that forces such choices on people.
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ReplyDelete