This story and supporting photos were sent to me from Becky at Prospect Farm.
Government Contacts:
Department of Agriculture, Commissioner Seth Bradstreet 207 287-3419
State veterinarian Don Hoenig, 207 287-3701
Norma Worley, Director of Animal Welfare 207 287-3846
Clinton Police Dept. 207 426-9192
Other officials to contact:
Evert Fowle, DA for Kennebec and Waldo counties: 207 623-1156
Governor Baldacci’s office 207 287-3531
This page briefly documents another scenario of Maine equine neglect and state complacency. Different Farm.
Different Abusers.
Same Stonewalling Complacency.
It involves the care and condition of this lovely black mare, Paula. The mare was severely neglected by another Maine farm.
Again, many, many calls and lobbying efforts were made to the Animal Welfare program of the Department of Agriculture.
There was no response, no intervention.
Becky purchased and rescued this mare. Over a month, she rehabilitated the mare with help and contributions from friends and others in the horse community.
Click here to download Take Action flyer -- Please print and pass along to your local barn, feed stores, supermarkets, book clubs, sports bars, whatever!
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To read the complaint sent last week to Animal Welfare, click here.
See below for photo descriptions.
The state had investigated the owner about eight months prior and stated they would follow up in six months.
They never did.
I didn't call the state as I knew
nothing would happen. I bought her to get her out.
I had no idea she was in this condition until I stopped by to visit foals. The owner was an acquaintance and I knew she had had three foals and two on the way. I also learned Paula's foal had died two weeks earlier at five months old.
Paula was rebred. We had to abort the pregnancy.
Someone else went to look at a horse for sale and filed a complaint with Animal Welfare.
But still nothing happened.
I called.
I emailed.
I sent vet reports.
I went to meetings, formed groups, met with Norma, involved the media.
And still nothing!
Paula fell through the cracks.
Yup that was my answer! I passed packet with her story and photos to every person attending the Animal Welfare meeting and nothing, nothing.
Top photo: When Paula was first rescued.
Second photo: After a bath, the next day.
Third and Fourth photos are after one and five months of rehabilitation.