The Searsport case dragged on for many years. In the end I was told that the last 7 or 8 horses were surrendered, but sadly I don't know if that is true or not!
Maddy, I believe the names of these abusers should be included in your blog. Do we know that they are not continuing to own and abuse more horses even now?
Norma Worley is appointed by the Governor... it's not an elected position.
This is just awful. Maine needs someone with a little bit of horse sense at the head of our Animal Welfare Agency. Time to make MORE noise guys!
I agree that they have a difficult job vs. the funding that they have to work with BUT you have to have a desire to rescue animals too and more often than not you'll find a way...I just don't think this is the case here.
Fining people like this for not being within the guidelines of the State of Maine laws would bring a lot of money in to the animal welfare program. It could happen EVERYDAY if someone were on top of it.
Hello everyone
Thank you Janet Tuttle for bringing more awareness to the readers regarding the issues that occur currently within our state system.
The posted photos (as well as your story) will pull at the hearts of animal lovers and will most likely cause many to have troubled thoughts and perhaps sleepless nights.
Awareness...
This is what it takes to rally people together to make change happen.
People can rally and accomplish change but the road is often long and hard.
I have seen other causes fall by the wayside because people become afraid of repercussions for speaking out
and/or disheartened by long battles that can appear hopeless.
Because of the complexity and the length of time that it takes to enforce, change or add new laws
that protect those who are in need or suffering (animals or humans) one can become discouraged,
lose faith, lose strength and perhaps even the will to continue on with the cause.
Oftentimes, the initial numbers of people that began the struggle for change will diminish, despite all good intentions and efforts.
One may become disheartened, lose hope, trust and perhaps,
even doubt the human race in its worthiness to be the caregivers of this earth.
If our system is broken, it has to be fixed.
It will take large numbers of people to stand long and hard, side by side to educate themselves
and others on how to work within the current system, its legal guidelines, to ensure that changes do happen.
From an internship experience working at a congressional office a few years ago,
I learned that reactions happen quickly when people mass together and call in on the same day ( to protest, to request action or change).
When people appear in mass numbers at and around those offices
in a respectful, courteous manner without causing an unruly disturbance (the more professional the better folks) it produces results.
By submiting short information sheets and signed petitions by the citizens for the office to review etc.
it will create a reaction from the officials to do something.
Massive numbers of people, rallying in large groups, making phone calls on the same day or days,to state officials
(as well as to our government elected officials) causes them to really pay attention
as it makes it difficult to get the regular work done.(Trust me, I know from that experience)
If planning to go into the state official offices, it is a courtesy to the agency
to let them know that people will be coming in and to let them know what the issue is about.
I recommend the following :
Go into the state official agency offices and not to an individual's home or business site (even if one is protesting a particular farm or establishment.)
Try to to avoid legal hassles/liabilities etc. I am no lawyer and this is merely a suggestion.
Let the officials realize how serious the public is - such as in the animal welfare issues going on curently, have the group reiterate
that they want the state to ensure the laws will be enforced,in a timely manner,
when documented evidence is before them that allows them to act.
I would also encourage that the local television, news media, radio stations etc. be alerted that there will be a rally of people if that occurred.
I cannot stress enough that keeping emotions controlled and acting professionally and respectfully
when presenting oneself is of the utmost importance.
It brings more credibility to the cause and to those involved.
Also, by using such a strategy and going in such a manner, more people might be willing to join in on the efforts.
I would think that the level of community involvement would also increase especially,
if it was going to impress upon our officials that we want the current animal protection laws to be enforced
without using specific cases and names until asked.
It is important to request that all people will have to answer to the laws
irregardless of the numbers of animals involved in the cases that come before the state.
Furthermore, insist that no animal is to be ignored or favored above others regarding aid or assistance (despite the cost involved).
We know that the large animals cost a lot more to care for,
so this is important to include especially, when some people are stating
that this appears to be a factor for not seizing horses in a timely manner
when documentation is before them that requires them to do so by current law.
This brings me to the conclusion of my writing.
It is a sad thing to have to say, but many animals are commodities in this world
being raised and sold for sometimes great amounts of profit and then often discarded or ending up
in unfortunate circumstances that results in intolerable suffering.
It is said that humans are the smartest of the living species on this planet
and yet, look at all the damage and the evil that has occurred while under the reign of the human race.
If it wasn't for the wonderful every day occurrences that I see each day, I would doubt that compassionate and kind people exist.
This planet is full of wonderful, good and decent individuals yet, the media often focuses on the negative and sensational stories
because of the market and these type of stories bring in great profits.
Yes, sadly, the greed for wealth seems to overtake many human hearts.
Once again,
Thank you Janet Tuttle for your courage and your efforts as well as everyone else who wants to see changes made for the welfare of the animals.
Their unheard voices and the suffering that exists is reaching out now to the hearts of many though your voices
and some are in great need for us to join the cause and stand up for them.
I will be ready and willing to join this cause with others in trying to make this state, this country and this world
see that there is a better way and a more humane way to be
in regards to how we treat one another and also, the animals that co-exist with us.
I will join the peaceful efforts and the right movement groups that are willing to take this on
and will help in bringing attention to the doors of our legislature and officials.
And I conclude by saying...."Let's go everyone!"
Respectfully,
Kathy Carpenter
I'm sorry Louise, is Norma's salary of $100K not "lots more money" to you? That's an awful lot of money to me! How about her salary gets cut and the difference funds Animal Welfare? While I realize that any government agency faces budget restrictions and red tape, allowing horses to suffer to death shows, in my humble opinion, that they are NOT doing their job. Are these "aware" and "caring" people AWARE that their agency is failing miserably to do their job and CARING enough to try to make a difference? Who better to influence the statutes than the people in the government?? I continue to be disgusted...
This is what i think should happen. ok ready i think the deering building needs a enema to flush the crap out of there.if you do not agree with me do not read this, sorry if you do not like this but i am entitled to my opinon.
JANET TUTTLE
The only thing I can say about the horse abuse scandal is...this "what in the heck are people thinking and doing"! At least it is not freezing cold out.
The state must have told you what the complaint was against you Marie. You didn't mention it but that's ok. I'm not sure what you are upset about, the state does have to investigate all complaints. It's great you had your papers in order. You should be pleased with that. Congrats for a job well done.